Amuria, Uganda: Authorities in Amuria District have arrested several parents after nearly 800 pupils failed to report for the first term, triggering an enforcement crackdown led by the Resident District Commissioner Eseru Paul.
The operation, conducted on Wednesday, February 11, targeted parents found at home and in local markets with school-going children during official class hours.
District officials said the arrests followed an inspection at Willa Primary School in Willa Sub-county, where only 205 learners out of an expected 1,000 had reported for Term One. The alarming absenteeism prompted immediate enforcement action.
RDC Eseru, accompanied by Assistant RDC Moses Ibwala and Operative Lwomoki from the DISO’s office, said intelligence reports indicate some parents deliberately keep children at home during market days, particularly on trading days at Ogwau Nukon Market.
“We cannot allow parents to sabotage their children’s future. School time is for learning, not trading,” Eseru warned.
Authorities confirmed the operation will intensify in other areas, including Onyam Gurok Market in Orungo Sub-county, as the district moves to ensure full compliance with school attendance requirements.
Poor PLE Results Raise Red Flag
District leaders linked the low turnout to declining academic performance.
In the latest Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), Amuria registered only 39 candidates in Division One, while more than 900 pupils were graded in Division U — a statistic education officials describe as unacceptable.
Officials argue that persistent absenteeism is directly undermining learning outcomes and long-term development in the district.
RDC Eseru warned that the enforcement exercise will continue until attendance stabilizes across all government schools. “All school-age children must be in class. Education is not optional,” he stated.
District authorities say the move is intended to reverse poor performance trends and restore discipline in school attendance as Term One progresses.
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