The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Luwero, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Educators have raised alarms about Uganda’s persistently high primary school dropout rate, which they warn threatens the future workforce. According to an analysis of figures from the Uganda National Examinations Board (Uneb) and Education and Sports Sector Annual Performance Reports (ESSAPRs), approximately 42.8% of pupils who start primary school do not complete Primary Seven (P.7). This statistic means that almost 43 out of every 100 pupils drop out before finishing primary school.
The dropout rate is particularly concerning for girls, with 46.4% of female pupils dropping out before completing P.7, compared to 44.2% for boys. This gender disparity highlights the additional challenges girls face in continuing their education, such as early marriage and childbearing, which often interrupt their schooling.
Speaking on Friday as the guest speaker at the Kasana-Luwero Diocesan Teachers’ Day celebrations at Luwero Teachers’ SACCO gardens in Luweero Town Council, Rev. Fr. Akello Ronald, Chairman of the Association of Catholic Education Institutions (ACEI), expressed deep concern about the high dropout rate of children before and after completing Primary Seven.
He revealed that he and others were called to a meeting with President Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni, who also serves as the Minister of Education and Sports, to discuss school enrollment issues.
According to Fr. Okello, the significant gap in the transition from primary to secondary school is alarming. He warned that if this issue is not addressed, Uganda risks losing an entire generation. While increasing vocational training is desirable and vital for job development, Fr. Okello believes that secondary school is critical in developing and reinforcing children’s academic foundations.
During the same festivities, Kasana-Luwero Diocesan Education Secretary Rev. Fr. Joseph Mary Ssekalegga urged parents to save money for their children’s education to prevent early dropouts.
He also suggested that teachers use social media as a dependable and contemporary form of communication. According to Fr. Ssekalegga, apps like WhatsApp have transformed communication, enabling teachers to interact instantaneously and rendering traditional letter-writing and delivery techniques obsolete. He emphasized that instructors must embrace new technology to collaborate effectively in today’s fast-paced society while warning against the misuse of social media networks.
