Rubirizi District, Uganda — The Rubirizi District Education Officer, Biiru Stivin Warufu, has issued a stern warning to parents who fail to send their children to school, saying they risk arrest and prosecution under the law.
The warning was delivered during a parents and teachers general meeting held at Buhinda Primary School in Rutoto Sub-county on Wednesday.
Biiru expressed concern over rising school dropout rates in the district, attributing the trend largely to parental negligence. He revealed that security agencies, parish chiefs, and local leaders have been directed to arrest children found loitering in trading centres, markets, and bars during school hours instead of attending classes.
“Parents who fail to take their children to school will be arrested and charged in accordance with the Education Act, the Children Act, and the Local Government Act,” he warned.
The education officer emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between parents and teachers to improve learners’ performance and overall education standards in the district. He urged parents to treat education as a long-term investment in their families’ future.
Biiru also called on students to remain disciplined, focused on their studies, and maintain peace while at school. He reiterated the importance of adhering to the presidential directive that every child must attend school.
Meanwhile, the headteacher of Buhinda Primary School, Ahimbisibwe John Baptist, who also serves as a union leader under Uganda National Teachers’ Union, echoed the concerns, warning that keeping children out of school is against the law.
He revealed that parents had signed a memorandum of understanding with the school, committing to proper time management and regular attendance of their children. Those who fail to comply, he said, would face disciplinary action in line with school regulations.
Ahimbisibwe also highlighted the school’s strong academic performance, noting that in the recent Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), Buhinda Primary School registered 78 candidates in Division One and 18 in Division Two.
At the same meeting, the Rutoto Sub-county Chief, Musoke Paul, urged parents to take a leading role in nurturing their children with strong moral values. He stressed that discipline, respect, and responsibility are key in combating societal challenges such as ignorance, corruption, and poverty.
Musoke further emphasized the importance of children’s health, noting that a healthy body contributes to better academic performance. He called on parents to fulfil their responsibilities, including paying school fees and supporting their children’s education.
