Bushenyi District Sees Low Student Turnout on First Day of Final Term
Schools reopened today for the final term of the academic calendar year, yet government-aided primary schools in Bushenyi district have reported low attendance among pupils.
At several schools visited by our reporter, teachers arrived on time and were in class, waiting for more students to arrive before commencing normal lessons. For instance, at Irembezi Primary School in Nyakahita, only 182 out of the expected 572 pupils reported on the first day, according to head teacher John Vianney Bakunda. He noted that many parents, especially in rural areas, still hold the belief that sending their children to school on the first day leads to them becoming “redundant,” with some fearing their children will be assigned to general cleaning tasks.
Similarly, Rossetti Tukahirwa, head teacher at Nyamiko Primary School, reported that only 40 out of 174 expected pupils attended. She urged parents to embrace the tradition of sending their children to school on the first day, regardless of any concerns about school fees. Tukahirwa encouraged parents to consult school authorities regarding fee issues rather than imposing penalties on the children.
At Bushenyi Town School, head teacher Aziidah Nanseera reported that only 132 out of 476 students attended, attributing the low turnout to a requirement from the Parents Teachers Association for pupils to pay 50% of their fees upon arrival.
Despite the low turnout, Micheal Matigi, the Inspector of Schools in Bushenyi district, confirmed that attendance was slightly improved compared to previous years, both for teachers and pupils.
