By Ouni Jaspher
Leadership of Bataebwol Primary School in Adeknino Sub County, Dokolo District, on Monday launched an operation to mobilize learners and parents in a bid to tackle rampant absenteeism and declining enrolment.
Pupils found at home during school hours were picked up and taken to school, with parents tasked to answer why a child is at home and later asked to clear outstanding fees.
According to school officials, lower classes are required to pay UGX 10,000 for development and UGX 4,000 for exams, while upper classes pay UGX 15,000 for exams and UGX 10,000 for development.
Fred Odongo, the chairperson of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), said the school started the term with good numbers, but enrolment dropped sharply after the PTA resolved to employ 3 PTA teachers supported by a UGX 10,000 contribution from parents.
“Last year we closed with over 1,000 pupils but now it cannot reach that number,” Odongo said.
He urged parents to prioritize education and ensure at least one literate member in each household.
Head teacher Christine Nancy Adongo confirmed that enrolment, which can exceed 1,500 during Education Management Information System (EMIS) registration of 2025, has since fallen to an estimated 800 pupils.
She noted that the school currently has only six teachers, making operations difficult, calling upon the authorities to deploy more teachers to the school.
“It’s very difficult because absenteeism and escaping are very rampant. Upon our trials to provide entertainment at the school, you still find them asking for movies that are not recommended, especially for learners,” she said.
Adongo added that resolutions passed during the Annual General Meeting on 1/12/2025, including the UGX 4,000 exam fee and UGX 10,000 development fee, were meant to improve learning but have since coincided with a drop in attendance.
“Development comes through education,” Nancy said, calling upon the community to take action. “Education caters for respect, training, performance and more.”
Ritah Ato, the Community Development Officer for Adeknino, linked the absenteeism to child neglect.
She cited a recent incident where two women sought support from the fathers of their children, warning that without help, they would abandon or harm the children.
“A good parent is never forced to send children to school,” Ato said.
Koli Catherine Edii, representing the LC1 chairperson of Adyangoto “B” village with over 400 households where operation started from, said parents living near the lake do not value school payments and instead prioritize fishing.
Kabila Kenneth, the School Management Committee (SMC) chairperson, stated that the operation would pardon parents on the first day, but starting Wednesday, any parent who fails to send their children to school will be arrested.
