education 21 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Dry Spell and Parental Neglect Hamper School Attendance in Soroti
Education officials in Soroti City are observing low student turnout in the second week of the school term, citing the severe dry spell and a lack of parental engagement as primary causes. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/dry-spell-poor-parental-support-blamed-for-low-school-attendance-in-soroti-5603994
Schools across Soroti City are grappling with a concerning trend of low learner attendance as the new academic term gets underway. Education officials conducting a nationwide learner headcount have noted that many students have yet to return to their classrooms.
Inspectors of Schools, like Francis Esabu from Soroti City West, have observed this firsthand during monitoring visits. Mr. Esabu reported that a significant number of students are still absent, with some parents citing the ongoing dry spell as the reason for their children’s delayed return. According to parents, the drought has severely impacted their livelihoods, making it difficult to afford essential school supplies like writing materials.
Headteachers are echoing these concerns. At Soroti Demonstration School, Emmanuel Etieku, the headteacher, stated that a notable portion of the registered students are still missing. Similarly, Pioneer Primary School headteacher Suzan Caroline Akello highlighted that some parents are not giving adequate attention to their children’s education, seemingly leaving the responsibility solely to the students themselves.
Beyond the economic hardships exacerbated by the dry spell, parental indifference is also identified as a major hurdle. Ms. Akello pointed out that many parents in her school’s catchment area do not prioritize education, leading to a disconnect between home and school support. While some absences are attributed to the economic downturn and drought, a case at Nakatunya Primary School also tragically noted the death of a pupil during the opening week.
Education authorities emphasize that the current headcount is crucial for understanding the full scope of absenteeism and identifying the root causes. They are urging parents to make their children’s education a priority, even amidst the prevailing economic challenges faced by households in the region.