RUBIRIZI – Rubirizi District Education Officer Biiru Steven Warufu has raised alarm over the escalating malnutrition crisis, warning that poor feeding practices are leaving many children with stunted growth.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The alarming situation was revealed on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, during a parents’ and teachers’ general meeting at Kicwamba High School in Kicwamba Sub-county, Rubirizi District.
Addressing participants, Steven said that nearly one-third of pupils, about 32%, in the district are suffering from stunted growth due to poor feeding practices, owing to the types of food they are provided with.
The Education Officer emphasized that diets lacking in proteins are causing a cascade of problems, including poor health, frequent illness, stunted physical growth, and notably, poor academic performance in schools.
“Thirty-two percent of pupils out of 100% in Rubirizi District have stunted growth due to poor nutrition. We are seeing many children growing up unhealthy and falling sick often, which has directly led to poor performance in class. Some learners even end up with stress, which leads to theft, suicide, and self-hate,” Steven explained.
The Education Officer further urged parents and schools to prioritize protein-rich foods in children’s diets, noting that proper nutrition is foundational to both physical development and cognitive function in the classroom.
The Rubirizi Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Rwamutojo Dagaras, who served as the Chief Guest at the meeting, called on parents to prioritize education seriously as a means to fight poverty and ignorance.
He rebuked parents who refuse to educate their children, branding them as the cause of familial problems, and urged them to work together in guiding their children, insisting that education is a worthwhile investment for every home.
“A home that educates its children will develop and escape poverty and ignorance, but a home that neglects education will see poverty and ignorance increase in society. Current education is an investment in homes. Parents should work together to educate their children and guide them,” Dagaras emphasized.
The Headteacher of Kicwamba High School, Dembe Robert Josey, said the meeting aimed to update parents on school achievements, academic performance, future plans, and student welfare.
He urged parents to persist in educating and providing for their children, saying that a number of students lack basic requirements, fueling poor performance and dormitory theft.
“Education thrives where needs are met. We are calling on parents to keep supporting their children, because the lack of basic requirements is directly affecting performance and fueling theft in our dormitories,” said Josey.
The head teacher further appealed to parents to closely monitor their children, teach them religion, offer parental guidance, and instill good morals as the foundation for raising a healthy and responsible generation.
If you have a developing story, tip-off, or eyewitness account, reach out to our editorial team today.
📧 Email: westernpearlmedia@gmail.com
📞 Telephone / WhatsApp: +256 783 650 398
Let’s tell your story together—because every voice deserves to be heard.
About the Author
