RUBIRIZI, UGANDA – The Rubirizi District Education Officer, Mr. Biiru Stivin Warufu, has threatened to arrest parents who fail to enroll their children in school, citing the rising school dropout rates.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The warning was issued on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, during a heated Parents and Teachers engagement held at Buhinda Primary School in Rutoto Sub-County.
The engagement was convened to address the growing concern of students loitering around villages during school hours, an issue allegedly stemming from parental negligence.
Citing a presidential directive mandating education for all, Mr. Biiru declared that security agencies, parish chiefs, and local leaders have been instructed to apprehend any student found wandering in trading centers, markets, or bars during school hours.
He warned parents that whoever fails to enroll children in school will be arrested, charged, and face prosecution under the Education Act, the Children’s Act, and the Local Government Act.
Biiru called for a collaborative effort between parents and teachers, stressing that a unified approach is essential to uplift the quality of education and improve learners’ performance.
“We are ready. Any parents who fail to send their children to school will be arrested and charged according to the law. Educating your child shouldn’t be seen as a burden but as an investment in your family’s future. Parents, you should prioritize regular school attendance and maintain close working relationships with the teachers,” Mr. Biiru stated.
The Chairperson of the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) in Rubirizi district, Ahimbisibwe Johnbatist, reminded parents of their legal obligations, citing absenteeism as a direct violation of the law.
He revealed that parents had signed a memorandum of understanding with school administrators, committing to manage their children’s time effectively and ensure daily attendance.
Ahimbisibwe, the Headteacher of Buhinda Primary School, warned that any parent who violates the agreement would be considered to be acting against school regulations and would face punishment.
“At Buhinda Primary School, parents signed a memorandum of understanding committing to manage their children’s time effectively and ensure daily attendance. We agreed that whoever violates this agreement will be considered to be acting against the school’s regulations and be punished,” revealed Ahimbisibwe.
Paul Musoke, the Rutoto Sub-County Chief, encouraged parents to take a holistic role in their children’s upbringing, emphasizing that nurturing values like respect, love, and discipline is key to fighting ignorance, corruption, poverty, and illiteracy.
He urged parents to support their children’s education diligently, warning that neglecting responsibilities like paying school fees fuels the dropout crisis and hinders a child’s future development.
“A healthy mind in a healthy body is crucial in preventing diseases that can affect children’s performance in school and at home. I encourage parents to support your children’s education by ensuring payment of school fees to prevent school dropouts,” remarked Musoke.
There is an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 street kids around major streets, cities, and towns in Uganda due to parental neglect leading to school dropouts.
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