Kole, Uganda | Kole North County Member of Parliament, Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti, has raised concern over the high school dropout rate in his constituency, revealing that nearly 80 per cent of pupils fail to reach Primary Seven, greatly reducing the number of candidates who sit for the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE).
Opio Acuti made the remarks on Saturday while awarding 22 pupils who attained Division One in the 2025 PLE with metallic boxes and mattresses as they prepared to join secondary schools.
He explained that research by the Ministry of Education and Sports indicates that about 60 per cent of learners countrywide drop out of school, leaving only 40 out of every 100 pupils to sit PLE. However, he noted that the situation in Kole North is far worse.
The legislator said that nationally, only about 40 out of 100 pupils sit PLE, while in Kole North, his findings show that only about 20 out of every 100 learners make it to Primary Seven, meaning nearly 80 per cent drop out before completing primary education.
He described the trend as worrying and called for collective action from parents, teachers, government, and other education stakeholders to reverse the situation.
Opio Acuti announced that to address the challenge, he plans to annually reward all pupils who obtain Division One in PLE with metallic boxes and mattresses. He also pledged to give UGX 500,000 to every school that produces Division One candidates during his five-year term in Parliament.
He said the initiative is intended to motivate learners, improve school retention, and encourage institutions to raise academic standards by recognising hard work and commitment.
The Chairperson of the Kole North Headteachers Association, Lawrence Olet, welcomed the initiative, saying that declining interest in education had previously affected performance in the area.
Olet noted that for some time, many parents and learners had lost hope in education, but the programme had restored confidence and motivation among teachers and pupils.
He added that headteachers are strengthening collaboration with parents to improve attendance and academic performance.
Chairperson, School Management Committee, Lwala Primary School, Onen Kenneth, said the rewards have helped ease the financial burden on parents.
Onen explained that many parents struggle to buy metallic boxes and mattresses and that the support has encouraged them to keep their children in school.
He added that school management committees will promote the sharing of best practices among schools to improve results across the constituency.
One of the beneficiaries, Tonny Opio from Wigwa Primary School, said the recognition had strengthened his determination to succeed.
Opio stated that the gift had motivated him to work harder and aim for a better future.
