Kikuube district register low turn-up of learners as schools reopen

KIKUUBE, UGANDA: Most schools in Kikuube District have registered very low turn up of pupils as schools reopened after almost two years of closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

A mini-survey conducted by DailyExpress on Monday, Jan 10 in schools within the district found a very poor turn up of pupils, unlike the teachers.

In Kisaru Primary School, for example, only 127out of 820 pupils reported on the first day of which 88 were girls and 39 were boys.

Mr. Simon Balyesiima the deputy Headteacher to Kisaru Primary school attributed the low turn up of pupils to the reluctance of some parents due to financial constraints among parents brought about by the Covid-19 induced lockdown.
“Our turn up was poor due to some challenges affecting parents but we expect an increase in the coming days of this week, and am also applauding parents and guardians to send all their children to school this week so that to motivate us”. Balyesiima said.

Meanwhile, at Kabwoya Senior Secondary School, only 43 out of 385 students reported on the official reopening of schools.

Mr. Abraham Muhindo, the Kabwoya SS Bursar says due to financial constraints and limited turn up of students, they were forced to release day scholars before time since they had nothing to feed them as many reported without pay for the meals and other requirements.

Bagonza Wahab, the Headteacher of God’s Care Nursery and Primary school however attributed the limited turn up to the new rules and regulations set by the Ministry of Education and Sports in a bid to curb the spread of Covid 19.
“Some parents and pupils are ill-prepared and some are not aware of the new guidelines set by the ministry of education on Covid 19 spread such as wearing a nose mask, social distancing among others, so we were forced to send such parents and pupils back home until they observe these guidelines”. Mr. Bagonza said.

At Kabwoya primary school, 76 out of 464 pupils reported on Monday by 8:30am whereby 32 were boys and 44 girls.

Robert Turyagyenda a Headteacher of Kabwoya primary school says, some parents have wrong information and thinkings that schools may face closure after a few days of reopening due to the rampant spread of the Omicron virus in the country but he, however, urged parents to send their children to school since they are were equipped with all it takes to control the spread of Covid 19 in schools.

“As school heads, we urge parents to send their children to school because we are more prepared and were equipped to control the spread of Covid 19 in schools since we have undergone various training and workshops and also we are ensuring the maintenance of SOPs”. Mr. Turyagyenda said.