In a recent interview, Robert Agume, the Municipal Education Officer for Rukungiri Municipality, appealed to parents and guardians to select schools that fit their financial capabilities.
This call comes on the same day that results for Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) are released, marking a critical transition period for students moving from O to A-Level.
Agume highlighted the tendency of some parents to seek out prestigious schools in hopes of securing scholarships for their academically successful children. However, he cautioned that many families end up struggling to cover tuition fees at these expensive institutions when scholarships do not materialize. Instead, he encouraged parents to consider schools with affordable tuition, ensuring they do not face financial hardship.
Addressing the issue of parents sending their children to schools outside Rukungiri District, Agume emphasized that local schools are often just as effective.
In fact, Rukungiri has recently achieved a remarkable ranking, coming second out of 177 districts in the PLE results, with a passing rate of 99.9%. Agume stressed the importance of supporting local educational institutions that are demonstrating significant improvements.
Ongoing renovations and new constructions at schools in Rukungiri, funded by both government and non-government organizations, aim to enhance the quality of education and maintain the district’s high performance. Agume is optimistic that these efforts will further elevate local schools’ standards.
As the school term officially began on October 10, Agume noted that student attendance remains low, particularly in local schools, with only 70% of students reported to have returned. He called on parents to ensure their children attend school, highlighting the importance of timely reporting for academic success.
Agume urged parents experiencing financial difficulties to communicate with headteachers about their situations, while also encouraging headteachers to respond compassionately to these challenges. Early school attendance, he concluded, plays a vital role in improving overall student performance.
The community’s collaboration, Agume believes, is key to fostering a strong educational environment in Rukungiri.
