As government grant-aided primary school resumed their normal operations for third term today after teachers called off their industrial action, a number of institutions in Kasese district registered relatively low enrolment of learners compared to the number of teachers who reported for day.
According to the calendar from the Ministry of Education and Sports, schools opened their doors for a third term on September 15 but the teachers from the government grant-aided primary schools under their umbrella body, “The Uganda National Teachers’ Union” declined to report on duty citing a low pay and salary disparities among other issues.
However, after a month of negotiations with the government, the teachers called off their strike and declared to officially report on duty with effect from today, Monday October 20.
A mini survey conducted today by our reporters indicated that the number of teachers who reported on duty was promising compared to that of the learners especially in schools situated in the rural areas.
At Mweya Primary School in Lake Katwe sub-county, only 87 out of the 234 pupils reported while 08 out of 10 teachers posted at the institution were present.
Ms Winfred T. Manzi, the School’s Head teacher told our reporter that it has always been a habit of the earners in the area to delay at their respective homes since they are allegedly forced into school.
Godfrey Baluku Basona, the Head teacher at Ibanda Primary School in Ibanda-Kyanya Town Council, revealed that only 335 pupils out of 978 attended classes with 14 out of 17 teachers present.
Enos Kule, the Head teacher at Mahango Primary School in Mahango Sub- County, told our reporter that the total enrolment of learners who attended classes today was more than 500 out of over 1,000.
Other schools that recorded low numbers of learners include, Motomoto in Kitswamba sub-county where out of 619 pupils, only 184 were present with 10 teachers out of 11.
At Kithoma Primary School in Buhuhira sub-county, the learners were 438 out of 816 while the teachers were10 out of 13. At Kyabarungira Primary School, learners were151 out of 600 while the teachers were 06 out 10.
However, at Mundongo Primary School in Nyakiyumbu sub-county, theSchool’s Head teacher, Eriab Bwambale Kakundese, was happy that the attendance of both learners and teachers was promising with 1,018 pupils rated at 80% and 20 out of 24 teachers translating to 95 % respectively were present.
South Rwenzori Diocesan Director of Education, Rev. Asa Masereka Kiriaghe, has since called upon the parents to send their children to their respective schools on time and with the necessary requirements, describing education as the best investment parents should venture into for their children’s bright future.
ENDS