Pallisa, Uganda: Pallisa County MP aspirant Julius Okurut Arecho has cautioned parents to closely monitor their children during the long 2025 holiday, warning that the festive season coinciding with political activities exposes learners to heightened risks.
Speaking on Saturday at Mother Kevin Nursery and Primary School in Pallisa Town, where he presided over the Top Class 4th graduation ceremony, Okurut urged parents to fully exercise their parental responsibilities and shield children from environments that put their futures in danger.
He expressed concern that the holiday overlaps with an active political period marked by excitement around Kadodi processions and late-night gatherings, which he said often lure unsupervised children into risky behaviour.
“Teachers spend nine months fostering our children, but the three months they spend at home expose them to challenges that block their future, early marriages, defilement, unwanted pregnancies, and boys ending up in prison over avoidable offences like theft or gatecrashing. The latter has already claimed the lives of over five youths in Pallisa,” Okurut told parents.
Turning to the event, he urged parents to embrace pre-primary education as a critical stage that shapes a child’s social and emotional readiness.
“Some parents think nursery is only for academic foundation, forgetting the key aspects, socialization, sharing, tolerance, and learning to face situations independently,” he said, adding that his manifesto supports operationalizing kindergarten sections in public schools once in Parliament.
Okurut emphasised that nursery graduation should not be trivialized, noting that it inspires children to envision their future academic milestones, including university education.
While presenting certificates, he encouraged parents to offer holistic guidance, anchored on respect, obedience and humility. He later joined learners in the symbolic cake-cutting ceremony before departing for other campaign engagements.
Head teacher Sister Nankindu Harriet, who presented 127 graduands, thanked parents for supporting the school and applauded infant teachers for the parental attention they give to learners.
Pallisa District Inspector of Schools John Opedun reminded parents that early childhood education is essential in preparing children for formal schooling.
“Some parents take it as daycare because of busy schedules, yet children at this stage explore the psychomotor, affective and cognitive domains. Nursery is the true entry point to formal education,” Opedun said.
Chairperson of Pallisa District Private Schools, Charles Otwao, encouraged parents to take their children to private schools, saying the sector remains prepared to absorb and nurture learners.
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