By Sylvia
Educationists, health experts, and other stakeholders are increasingly concerned about the rising number of boys dropping out of school in Kabarole District.
During the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Kibale Forest School’s Program at Kasisi Primary School in Kiko Town Council, Kabarole District, several speakers expressed their concern over the increasing number of boys leaving school, calling for the need for urgent attention to this issue.
Catherine Kemigabo, the Kabarole District Health Educator, shared that both observations and research show a worrying decline in the number of boys attending school, with many eventually dropping out. She pointed out that most efforts to address educational challenges have been focused on girls, while boys’ needs have been overlooked.
She explained that many tasks traditionally done by boys in schools are now being handled by girls, and called for more focus on the boy-child issue.
Karatunga John Brother, the Head Teacher of Rwenkuba Primary School, attributed the problem to male parental negligence and urged parents, educators, and other authorities to collaborate and address the situation.
According to Kajura Derrick, the Communications Officer for the Kibale Forest School’s Program (KFSP), the program, launched in 1997, has supported conservation efforts in Uganda’s Kibale National Park.
The initiative he added, aids communities committed to preserving their lands, waters, and wildlife. The program primarily benefits the 8,000 children from 16 primary schools located along the park’s edge, aiming to link education with conservation and inspire future Ugandan conservationists.
Kajura noted that, to date, about 16 schools have benefited from the program through the provision of safe, clean water, toilet construction, and educational support. Erick Tumusime, the program’s director, added that this year, they supported five students who completed their PLE last year, with four attending Nyakasura School and one at Fort Portal SS.
However, he expressed concern over their performance, urging schools to make greater efforts in the coming year.
