By Eumu Emmanuel
Kaberamaido Resident District Commissioner Linos Lotem Lokori has issued a stern directive ordering the immediate arrest of parents who fail to send their children to school. This move comes after the district was ranked among Uganda’s worst-performing districts in terms of education, with a dismal 25% pass rate in division one.
Lokori expressed deep concern over the growing number of school-age children staying home, citing it as a major contributor to the district’s poor academic performance. To address this issue, he plans to collaborate with local leaders, the police, and the district education department to identify and apprehend negligent parents.
Starting February 4, 2025, parents who keep their children at home without a valid reason will face arrest and prosecution. Similarly, teachers who refuse to report to school and start teaching will also be arrested. Lokori emphasized that education is a non-negotiable right for every child, and parents must take responsibility for ensuring their children attend school
While some parents support the directive, acknowledging that it will push negligent families to prioritize education, others have raised concerns about the harshness of the approach, citing economic hardships as a major barrier to keeping children in school. Despite these concerns, Lokori remains resolute, urging parents to act swiftly and ensure their children are enrolled in school.