The number of school dropouts among youngsters is rising in Kakindo Parish in Rukungiri District, a challenge that is largely caused by poverty.
The neighbourhood is feeling the impacts, which include an increase in crime and more severe social problems.
Local authorities are concerned, connecting the rise in violence and theft to the dropout rate.
“The situation is dire, and we are witnessing a rise in poverty-related crimes,” said Kanyesigye Moses, a leader for persons with disabilities and former councillor. “The children are dropping out of school, and this has increased theft cases and even murders by our own children.”
As poverty forces families to prioritise basic survival over education, the dreams of many young people are being abandoned, leaving the community concerned about the futu
The problem is deeply rooted in poverty, with families unable to meet basic needs, forcing students to abandon their education. The effects are being felt throughout the community, contributing to a surge in crime and escalating social challenges.
Local leaders have expressed alarm over the situation, linking the rise in dropouts to an increase in theft and violence.
"The situation is dire, and we are witnessing a rise in poverty-related crimes," said Kanyesigye Moses, a leader for persons with disabilities and former councillor. "The children are dropping out of school, and this has increased theft cases and even murders by our own children."
The root cause, according to community members, is extreme poverty. Families in Kakindo struggle to afford daily meals, let alone school fees, uniforms, and learning materials.
Tumuhimbise Winnie, a councillor in the parish, explained that many children leave school simply because there is no food at home. "The children don't have food, and families are very poor without food, hence the increased dropouts," she noted.
As more children leave school to seek work or other ways to support their families, some resort to criminal activities as a last resort.
The ripple effect is felt throughout the community, where the loss of educational opportunities is deepening the poverty cycle.
Local leaders worry that if nothing changes, a generation could be lost to desperation and crime. They are calling for urgent government intervention to address the root causes. They advocate for increased educational funding and programs to alleviate poverty emphasising that without action, the situation could worsen.