Parents urged to test girls for pregnancy before term

EDUCATION

KASESE - As this year's first school term begins, parents and guardians who have school girls, especially in upper primary, secondary and tertiary schools have been advised to take them for pregnancy tests.

This, according to the former head of laity of the Catholic Diocese of Kasese, Joseph Nzukwa, will save the families from wasting their hard-earned money.

Nzukwa, who is also the chairperson for Catholic Secondary Schools and institution heads in Kasese, said the pregnancy tests will minimise the inconveniences that arise when the girls are found pregnant when they are already in school.

"It is frustrating for the learner, the school administration and the family for a girl-child to be returned home after the school fees is paid," Nzukwa said.

However, Nzukwa, who is also the Kuruhe Secondary School headteacher in Kyabarungira sub-county, Kasese, urged parents and guardians to be friendly and spare time to guide them instead of leaving them to the schools.

Describing education as a collective responsibility, Nzukwa also challenged the teachers to prepare early to avoid being embarrassed before parents and students.

Meanwhile, education and security authorities in Kasese municipaliy are probing circumstances under which over 500 children where collected and kept at Kasese High School by a pastor.

The school belongs to Fom Mugume.
According to the Rwenzori east regional Police commander,Julius caeser Tusingwuire, the children, aged between five and 18 years, had been promised bursaries from whites.