RUBIRIZI – Parents have been warned to cease the practice of withdrawing their children from school for early marriage, a vice believed to be dragging down education standards in Uganda.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The stern caution was issued by the Rubirizi District Assistant RDC, Kakoni Mathias, while addressing a parents-teachers’ meeting held on Monday at Kicwamba Primary School in Rubirizi District.
He expressed deep concern over the increasing cases of poverty and family conflicts that have become rampant in the district, noting that these social ills are directly sabotaging the academic progress of learners.
“The office of the RDC continues to receive numerous reports of domestic violence, much of which stems from a lack of cooperation between parents,” Kakoni stated.
He explained that when children are exposed to violence at home or arrive at school disturbed and lacking basic necessities, their ability to concentrate and succeed in class is severely compromised.
The Assistant RDC described the withdrawal of children from school for early marriage as a detrimental practice that has fueled school dropout rates and violated children’s rights in Rubirizi.
He further declared that negligent parents who fail to take their children to school will face arrest and prosecution, while urging all families to unite and prioritise their children’s education and welfare.
“Withdrawing a child from school for marriage is not only an attack on their future but a crime against their childhood and a betrayal of our shared community duty. No parent has the right to trade a school uniform for a marriage gown. Education is a duty, not a choice, and those who neglect it will face the law,” Kakoni declared.
The Inspector of Schools for Rubirizi, Tukundane Eugine, called upon parents to cultivate peace and love in their homes while ensuring that children receive all necessary support for effective learning.
He further stressed that educating children is essential for raising responsible citizens and warned that the education department will back legal action against any parent who neglects their duties.
“A child’s future is built in the classroom, not in chaos. Parents must fill their homes with peace and their children’s hands with books, for an educated child is a responsible citizen,” remarked Inspector Eugine.
The headteacher of Kicwamba Primary School, Tumuhirwe Rose, applauded the school’s remarkable academic success and called for action to tackle the mounting obstacles affecting pupils’ education.
She specifically cited alarming school dropouts, chronic lateness, fee arrears, and the scourge of child labour as major threats that must be urgently addressed.
“The classroom is where futures are built, but child labour and negligence tear them down. We applaud our achievements, yet we cannot rest while our children are pulled into fields instead of lessons,” stated Headteacher Rose.
The meeting called for renewed collective responsibility, as district leaders, educators, and parents pledged to work together to create a safer, more stable environment for the children.
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