The recent change in school reopening dates from February 2nd to February 10th due to the elections has resulted in a notable decline in student attendance across various schools in Rukungiri and neighboring districts. School headteachers had initially expected a surge in student turnout, but the reality has proven to be alarming.
At Masya Primary School in Nyakagyeme Subcounty, only 37 students reported on the first day, including 28 in primary classes and just 9 in nursery. Headteacher Micwemirungi Robert expressed deep concern over the minimal turnout, stating, “This is worrying for us as we anticipated many more students.”
In contrast, Kyabashenyi Primary School in Nyamunuka Town Council saw a somewhat better response, with 185 pupils registered, comprising 88 boys and 97 girls. However, this number falls short of the 468 pupils who attended last term, indicating a worrying trend.
On a positive note, Kiyanyasano Boarding Primary School in Rukungiri Municipality welcomed over 900 pupils on reopening day. Headteacher Tumushangye Benard expressed gratitude to students and parents for their significant turnout, highlighting that community support plays a crucial role in education.
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Secondary schools have also faced challenges, albeit less severe than primary institutions. St. Noah Secondary School in Mutara, Mitooma District, reported only 400 students attending out of a total of 1200. Headteacher Turyakira Charles noted that this disappointing turnout was affected by financial constraints.
Crane High School in Rubaare, Ntungamo, experienced similar issues, with Director Asiimwe Abson Richard attributing low enrollment to a lack of school fees, exacerbated by adverse weather conditions affecting local cattle-keeping families. “Many parents are unable to afford tuition because of the recent foot and mouth disease affecting livestock,” he explained.
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The delayed reporting dates, coupled with these financial challenges, have raised concerns among educators regarding the feasibility of completing the term one syllabus in a timely manner.
In response, headteachers are implementing strategies to accommodate the situation. Aggry Byarugaba, Director of Global High School in Omungyenyi-Rubaare and Agaba Cleophas head teacher St Gerard’s Senior Secondary School Nyakibale assured that extra teaching hours would be arranged, stating that teachers would offer additional classes during mornings, evenings, and weekends to catch up on the lost time.
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Despite the challenges, school leaders are urging parents to send their children back to school and are encouraging open dialogue regarding financial hardships. Headteachers emphasize the critical importance of education, especially for students in candidate classes, as they strive to adapt to the unexpected challenges this term.
