'Parents largely to blame for the overwhelming school dropouts in Kasese'

KASESE - Parents in Kasese have been blamed for the overwhelming number of school dropouts, an issue that has resulted in a population of illiterate youth with related challenges in the district.

The blame was sounded on October 15, 2025, at Kuruhe High School, Kitswamba town council, Busongora County North , during the school’s club convention aimed at understanding the root causes of the challenge and devising appropriate solutions.

The engagement attracted parents, learners from various schools, political and religious leaders, among other delegates.

William Muthabuli blamed fellow parents for failing to support teachers and failing to follow up on how their children are learning. He also cited domestic violence and disunity within families as the major causes of school dropouts.

"Following up on our children would enable us to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Unfortunately, most of us don't pay the school dues appropriately," Muthabuli said.

Chrispus Mumbere, a student, said even though learners bear the responsibility of school drop numbers due to peer group influence and failure to concentrate in class, parents should also be blamed for neglecting their roles of counselling and guiding them.  
"That's how most of our colleagues end up making wrong decisions," Mumbere said.

Unprotected sex

During the event facilitated by Enabel Uganda, Kasese district probation and senior welfare officer Faisal Bagumira Kiralira said at the national level, the teenage pregnancy rate at 23% adding that Kasese remains among the leading districts at 27%.

He further tipped the parents about the 72-hour rule, which guarantees children involved in sex scandals a chance to avoid contracting diseases or getting impregnated as a way of maintaining them in schools.

Lt. Maate Magwara, the Kasese deputy RDC (standing) while at Kuruhe High School calls upon parents to change their mindset, and utilize PDM funds effectively to solicit money to educate their children. (Credit: Samuel Amanyire)

"Most of you only think about Police and dowry for your impregnated girls, little knowing that there are immediate options to save their lives," Bagumira said.

It is your responsibility

However,  Kasese district senior education officer Habert Kato, who represented the district education officer, reminded the parents of their role towards ensuring the security of their children to prevent them from being impregnated.

"Because in most cases, children get issues while at home for holidays," Kato said.

Acting Kasese Resident District Commissioner Lt. Maate Magwara discouraged the parents from fragmenting land and giving portions to their children. He encouraged them to educate their children.

"These are some of the things that force them to drop out of schools," Magwara said.
Enabel Uganda's education programme manager, William Mubiru, also said the lack of parental involvement in the lives of their children plays a big role in school dropout numbers. 

Some studies have indicated that as many as seven out of 10 students who join Senior One do not complete O'Level, according to Mubiru.

“Many parents are disconnected from their children’s learning. Without their active involvement, the desired education outcomes cannot be achieved," Mubiru said.

Enabel and the education ministry, with support from Belgium and the European Union, are currently implementing a four-year project aimed at improving access, retention and completion of lower secondary education.

The school club convention, according to organisers, enables schools to directly engage parents about their role, contributing to school retention and completion.