The headteachers of Gulu City have raised concerns over irregular school attendance which they say is the reason they cannot maintain accurate enrolment records and may undermine learners’ academic performance.
This came about during a second term performance review meeting at the health board room yesterday which provided an opportunity for school administrators to reflect on attendance, enrolment and other challenges affecting learners ahead of the third term which is expected to begin on 14th September 2026.
The headteacher of Kirombe primary school, Okot Alfred stresses that some pupils report at the beginning of the term but gradually stop attending classes, making it difficult for the school to establish and maintain accurate enrolment figures.
The Headteacher Holy Rosary Primary School, George Omony notes that some communities tend to place greater emphasis on examinations than regular classroom attendance, as a result, some parents send their children to school mainly when examinations have been scheduled, ignoring constant attendance throughout the term.
The town clerk for Gulu city, Innocent Ahimbisibwe in response said that the community development department will be engaged to support wider sensitization of parents and communities on the importance of regular school attendance and parental responsibility in supporting children’s education.
Ahimbisibwe urges the head teachers to remain responsible for the security and management of their schools during the holiday period.
In Uganda, irregular school attendance and high dropout rates present a major structural challenge, with primary school completion standing at only about 32%.
By Rebecca Ekwany
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