RUBANDA – Authorities in Rubanda district have arrested 31 school-going children for failing to report to school on the opening day of the new term, as part of efforts to enforce compliance with compulsory education requirements.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The children were rounded up during a joint go-back-to-school operation conducted on Monday led by the Office of the Rubanda District Resident District Commissioner (RDC) in collaboration with the Police.
The team led by Deputy RDC Muhuta Akintore, with Assistant RDC Martin Turyagyenda and the OC of Hamurwa Police Post, tracked down the children from two major wetlands, Karukara and Kashongati, in Hamurwa Town Council.
Officials reported that the children were found harvesting Irish potatoes in wetlands in Hamurwa Town Council during class hours on the opening day, something they said jeopardizes compulsory education.
Deputy RDC Muhuta Akintore confirmed the operation, stating that the children were held at Hamurwa Police Post briefly before their release in the evening after guidance and cautioning.
“We arrested 31 school-going children from Karukara wetland in Karukara Ward and Kashongati wetland. These children came from Shebeya Parish, Karukara Ward, Ruhonwa and Mpungu Parishes where they were harvesting Irish potatoes instead of being at school,” Muhuta said.
He said the arrests were made from Karukara wetland in Karukara Ward and Kashongati wetland, with the children coming from Shebeya Parish, Karukara Ward, Ruhonwa and Mpungu Parishes.
The Deputy RDC vowed to continue enforcing government education programs without relent and warned parents and guardians against defying the go-back-to-school directive.
“We will not relent in enforcing government education programs. I am warning all parents and guardians to stop defying the go-back-to-school directive. This operation will continue. Where have these children been during the holidays? Why wait for the opening day to look for money for books?” he questioned.
The authorities have since called upon parents to ensure that all children report to school without delay, as education remains a top priority under government programs.
