School administrators in Luweero District, particularly in government-aided schools, have urged parents to send pupils back to school promptly, warning that delayed reporting is hurting learners academically now that classes have resumed.
At Luweero Boys Primary School in Luweero Town Council, head teacher Godfrey Ssendikaddiwa said many parents still cling to outdated practices where the first week of term was reserved for cleaning and compound work rather than lessons.
“Some parents still think that the first week, especially in government primary schools, is for cleaning and slashing around the school, but things have changed,” Ssendikaddiwa said.
He explained that the Ministry of Education and Sports now requires schools to prepare in advance for learners by ensuring classrooms and the school environment are ready before reopening, allowing pupils to begin lessons immediately upon reporting.
“A pupil who misses classes in the first week is losing a lot. They will carry the burden of catching up on work they missed. Parents should abandon the idea of bringing children after one week or even a fortnight,” he added.
Despite the appeal, turnout at the school remains low. Out of an expected 1,318 pupils, only about 300 had reported by the time of our visit.
Ssendikaddiwa expressed optimism that more learners would turn up but raised concern over pupils arriving without basic scholastic materials such as books, pens, and pencils, a situation placing extra strain on teachers.
Some parents attribute the delays and lack of school requirements to economic hardship.
Ruth Namulindwa, a parent of three pupils at Luweero Boys Primary School, said she brought her children to school without necessities and appealed to the administration for leniency as she looks for money.
“I operate a nursery bed for coffee and eucalyptus seedlings, but the recent dry season affected my business. I am not making money, but I couldn’t keep my children at home while others are in school,” Namulindwa said.
“I know they will ask for requirements like reams of paper, uniforms, and brooms, but honestly I don’t have them now. I pray for patience; I will bring the money.”
Other parents have managed to pay part of the required fees. Sylvia Birabwa, another parent with three children, including a Primary Seven candidate, said she has so far paid at least half of the school charges.
“Those in lower classes pay Shs 55,000; I have paid Shs 35,000. For Primary Seven boarding, the fees are Shs 350,000 and I have paid Shs 200,000. I will clear the balance,” Birabwa said.
Luweero District has 230 government primary schools, 287 private primary schools, and 23 government secondary schools.
Education officials note that many schools across the district have recorded low learner turnout at the beginning of this first term, largely due to financial constraints and lack of scholastic requirements.
However, administrators continue to appeal to parents to prioritize early reporting, emphasizing that lost classroom time at the start of term is difficult for pupils to recover.
