Summary:
- Iteso Paramount Chief Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng declared a firm stance against school dropouts.
TESO: As the country enters the first week of school reopening, a concerning rise in absenteeism has prompted Teso leaders to take action against parents keeping their children at home.
Emmanuel Etomet, Chairperson of Mukura Sub-county in Ngora District, issued a stern warning to parents on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. He emphasized that serious mobilization efforts are underway to ensure that all children return to school.
Etomet stated that keeping children at home due to a lack of school fees or scholastic materials is unacceptable, especially given the government’s provision of Universal Primary and Secondary Education.
He further revealed that the sub-county council has resolved to conduct operations aimed at arresting and prosecuting parents who fail to comply with this directive.
Meanwhile, in Katakwi District, Toroma County legislator Andrew Joseph Kolou has called on Teso parents to prioritize education if they wish to remain competitive with regions like Buganda and Bukedi.
In a recent public address, Iteso Paramount Chief Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng declared a firm stance against school dropouts.
He instructed clan chairpersons to monitor schools and ensure that no child is left at home.
“We’re ready to go door-to-door to mobilize children to attend school. Parents who still keep their children at home will face legal consequences,” Emolot warned.
Echoing this commitment, Viccent Xsaviour Okwi, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Katakwi District, reassured the public during a local radio talk show of his office’s dedication to promoting education.
“The RDC office is prepared to take action against parents and children undermining the UPE and USE programs in the district,” Okwi stated.
He urged parents to fulfill their responsibility of purchasing scholastic materials and to view education as a vital pathway to a brighter future for their families.
