By Richard Onapatum
SERERE: The Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo has called on LC1 chairpersons to actively participate in the fight against teenage pregnancies to address the increasing school dropout rates. Speaking at the PTA meeting of St. Elizabeth Girl’s Secondary School Kidetok in Serere district, she emphasized the crucial role of LC1 chairpersons in preventing early marriages, child pregnancies, and unplanned marriages.
“LC1 chairpersons are pivotal as they know every home and can detect early signs of potential child marriages,” Alupo noted. She stressed the importance of intervention before these issues arise, urging chairpersons to support the government in ensuring girls complete their education.
Alupo, a former student of St. Elizabeth Girl’s SSS who fled due to UPA rebel activities in 1988, announced the donation of computers and 1,000 iron sheets to aid the construction of teachers’ houses. She emphasized that while marriage is permitted in Uganda, it is best when girls have completed their education. She also called on boys to support girls, highlighting that mutual employment reduces domestic violence.
Addressing the students, Alupo urged them to remain disciplined, hardworking, God-fearing, and dedicated to their studies. She thanked parents for prioritizing education and encouraged continuous support for girls to complete their education cycle.
The Vice President also promoted the NRM’s message on wealth creation, highlighting the four sectors for economic engagement: Commercial Agriculture, Services, Industries, and ICT. She urged parents and teachers to participate actively in these sectors to ensure socio-economic transformation.
Alupo assured parents that the government will continue to maintain peace and security, and build necessary infrastructure to attract investments and create jobs. She highlighted the Parish Development Model and wealth funds as tools to increase wealth creators in the economy.
Sr. Florence Imalingat, the Headteacher of St. Elizabeth Girl’s SSS, expressed gratitude for the support from various stakeholders, noting the school’s successful advancement of all students to the next academic level in 2023. However, she highlighted challenges such as insufficient staffing, inadequate accommodation, lack of student transport, asbestos roofs needing replacement, salary discrepancies, and the rising cost of living.
Fred Opolot, the Pingire County MP, emphasized the need for infrastructure improvement at the school. He donated Sh1m for the construction of teachers’ houses and called on the government to provide suitable boats and fishing nets for fishermen. Opolot also advocated for community fishing ponds to enhance household incomes and requested government support for the Labour Irrigation Scheme to benefit Pingire County residents.
This comprehensive approach aims to address both educational and socio-economic challenges, ensuring a better future for the youth of Uganda.