Education ministry official decries absenteeism in schools, headteachers to fight vice

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Uganda’s education sector faces a crisis as absenteeism among students and teachers surges, threatening progress in rural schools, according to assistant commissioner (primary education) Robert Ikwap.

Ikwap has, therefore, urged headteachers to take charge in combating this vice, calling it a critical barrier to improving education quality.

He expressed deep concern over rising absenteeism in government-aided schools, citing it as a major setback to national education goals. He says the vice is rife in majorly rural areas like Hoima district, children are often kept home to assist with farming, market work, or fishing, while teachers frequently miss classes, undermining learning.

“Absenteeism is not just a problem, it’s a crisis,” Ikwap emphasised during a stakeholders’ dialogue in Hoima on August 14, 2025.

“Headteachers must lead the fight. They are the frontline supervisors and must ensure accountability for both staff and students.”

Root causes and challenges

Hoima district education officer Harriet Kihumuro revealed alarming dropout rates, attributing them to systemic failures such as the unimplemented school feeding policy, inadequate sanitation facilities (including lack of sanitary pads for girls) and insufficient water and learning materials. She noted only 27% of learners complete primary school, a figure she called “unacceptably low.”

“Parents often prioritise survival over schooling when basic needs like meals aren’t met,” Kihumuro said.

“Without addressing these gaps, we’ll continue losing children to the fields and streets.”

Calls for accountability and reform

Hoima principal assistant secretary Evelyne Businge warned headteachers against complacency.

“While challenges exist, focus must shift to solutions. Teachers must prioritise results and collaborate to retain students,” she said.

Meanwhile, Hoima district vice-chairperson Hellen Mulumba pointed to teacher demoralisation as a key issue.

“Low pay drives many to quit and seek alternative livelihoods like business or boda-boda riding. Improving their welfare is essential to retain talent,” she said.

Hoima deputy Resident District Commissioner Aine Christopher framed the issue as an existential threat: “Failing to educate our children is like poisoning an entire generation. We must change attitudes and actions—teachers, parents, and leaders must unite to eliminate absenteeism and dropout rates.”