Authorities in Kasese have picked 57 children from the streets during an operation aimed at returning them to school.
The operation was conducted across Kasese Municipality and targeted areas where children were reportedly spending time during school hours instead of attending classes.
According to Jackline Kabugho, the head of school inspection at Kasese Municipal Council who led the operation, several children were found in Mawa Market selling groundnuts and other small items rather than being in school.
“During our operation we found some children in Mawa Market selling groundnuts instead of attending school. This exercise was aimed at ensuring that these children return to school,” Kabugho said.
Kabugho noted that school attendance, especially in government-aided schools, has dropped significantly due to negligence by some parents.
“The number of learners in schools, particularly government schools, has reduced because some parents are no longer committed to ensuring their children go to school,” she said.
Some parents who spoke about the issue blamed irresponsible fathers for neglecting family responsibilities, saying many men spend much of their time drinking alcohol instead of supporting their families and supervising their children’s education.
Innocent Nyamwinja, a parent, said the problem often begins at home.
“Some men have abandoned their responsibilities in their families. They spend most of their time drinking waragi instead of taking care of their homes and children,” Nyamwinja said.
Local leaders also expressed concern about the situation and urged parents to take greater responsibility for their children’s education.
Fenehansi Wakibanahi, the LC1 Chairperson of Kizungu, said communities must work together to ensure children remain in school.
“Parents must work with local leaders to ensure children stay in school because education is the foundation for their future,” Wakibanahi said.
Meanwhile, ASP Jane Ngelese, the officer in charge of the Child and Family Protection Unit at Kasese Central Police Station, warned that children who stay out of school face increased risks.
“When children are not in school, they become vulnerable to domestic violence, exploitation and poverty,” Ngelese said.
Rwenzori East Region Police Public Relations Officer SP Nelson Tumushime confirmed the operation and said police intervened after noticing a growing number of school-age children loitering in town during class hours.
“Police in Rwenzori East together with education officials conducted the operation and arrested 57 children who were found loitering in town instead of being at school,” Tumushime said.
The children are currently being held at Kasese Central Police Station as authorities contact their parents or guardians to pick them up and explain why the children were not attending school.
Officials say the exercise is intended to hold parents accountable and encourage greater responsibility in ensuring that children remain in school.
