Amuria, Uganda | Amuria District leadership has launched an ambitious operation aimed at addressing the growing problem of school absenteeism, resulting in the arrest of several parents found keeping their children out of school.
The crackdown, which targeted parents found at home or in markets during school hours, focused on Willa Sub-county, where absenteeism is particularly high during market days.
The operation, led by Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Eseru Paul, was prompted by intelligence reports that some parents in the sub-county were deliberately preventing their children from attending school to help with trading activities, particularly on market days at Ogwau Nukon Market.
Authorities were alarmed by the extent of absenteeism, which is seen as a contributing factor to the district’s declining educational performance.
“This behavior is unacceptable. Education is a right, and we will not allow parents to undermine the future of their children by keeping them out of school for economic reasons,” RDC Eseru said.
He stressed that the crackdown was necessary to ensure that children attend school as required by law.
RDC Eseru, who was accompanied by Assistant RDC Moses Ibwala and Operative Lwomoki from the District Internal Security Organisation (DISO), visited Willa Primary School earlier in the day.
The school, which had an expected enrollment of 1,000 students for the first term, reported only 205 pupils in attendance, leaving nearly 800 children absent.
The low turnout prompted immediate action from district authorities, who are determined to address the root causes of the absenteeism.
The authorities’ frustration was evident as they moved swiftly to arrest parents found violating the school attendance law.
“This is a serious issue, and we are committed to ensuring that children attend school regularly,” RDC Eseru added.
He warned that parents who continue to disregard the law would face arrest and legal action.
The operation is set to continue, with further enforcement activities planned at Onyam Gurok Market in Orungo Sub-county, as well as other locations across the district known for high absenteeism rates.
The crackdown is part of a broader effort to ensure that all children of school age are in class and receiving their education.
Amuria District officials have linked the high absenteeism rate to poor academic performance, with the most recent Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) revealing troubling results.
The district recorded only 39 students in Division One, while more than 900 pupils were graded in Division U.
Education authorities are concerned that the ongoing absenteeism is contributing to the dismal performance and are hopeful that the crackdown will help reverse this trend.
“Chronic absenteeism, especially on market days and during farming seasons, is directly affecting the academic progress of our students,” said an education official involved in the operation. “If we are to improve the quality of education in this district, we must first ensure that all children attend school regularly.”
District leaders have also called on parents to recognize the importance of education and to prioritize it over short-term economic activities.
RDC Eseru emphasized that while economic pressures are real, education remains the key to long-term development.
“We understand the financial struggles many families face, but we must invest in our children’s education for a better future,” RDC Eseru said. “Schooling is the foundation for development, and we cannot afford to let children fall behind.”
With the operation set to continue in the coming days, authorities are hopeful that the crackdown will send a strong message to parents, encouraging them to prioritize their children’s education and helping to improve the overall academic performance in the district.
