Authorities in Mityana District have intensified efforts to address the growing problem of school-going children roaming in trading centres instead of attending classes, following an operation conducted by the office of the Resident District Commissioner.
The operation was carried out in Busunju Town Council where officials found several children loitering in villages and trading centres during school hours, even though they were expected to be in class during the current school term.
The exercise was aimed at identifying children who are absent from school and encouraging parents and guardians to take responsibility for their education.
According to Peter Kimeera, the intervention followed increasing concerns about the declining number of learners attending government schools across the district.
“We have observed low student turnout in several government schools in the district, yet many children are found in trading centres during school hours. This operation is meant to address that problem and ensure children return to school,” Kimeera said.
He noted that education authorities and local leaders have become increasingly concerned about the trend, which threatens efforts to improve learning outcomes in government schools.
“Parents and guardians must take responsibility by ensuring their children are in school because education is essential for their future and the development of our communities,” he added.
District officials say similar operations will continue in other areas as part of ongoing efforts to improve school attendance and ensure that all school-going children in the district benefit from the available education opportunities.
