Agago District Launches Drive to Re-enroll Over 51,000 Missing Schoolchildren

Agago District is facing a critical challenge with more than 51,000 children of school-going age currently unaccounted for within its formal education system. District officials have mandated that parents and guardians must ensure these children are back in school when the third term commences on September 14.

This alarming figure emerged after an analysis revealed a substantial discrepancy between the total school-age population (6 to 18 years) and the number of students enrolled in primary and secondary schools. According to 2024 Uganda Bureau of Statistics data, Agago has a total of 112,426 children in this age bracket. However, enrollment figures from the end of the second term show only 56,020 in primary schools and 4,591 in secondary schools, leaving a deficit of 51,815.

District Chairperson Wilson Otto expressed deep concern over the situation, emphasizing the need for collective action. Local leaders, education officials, parents, guardians, and security agencies have been directed to collaborate to bring these children back to school and ensure their continued attendance.

Enforcement measures will include identifying and referring children below 18 found loitering in public places during school hours without a valid reason. Otto also issued a warning to parents and guardians, stating that those whose negligence contributes to a child being out of school or exposed to harmful activities will face legal consequences.

The directive also addresses issues such as pregnancy and school fees. Otto clarified that pregnancy or parenthood should not be a barrier to education and warned schools against sending students home for unpaid Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) contributions. He urged parents to enroll children who have dropped out, regardless of their age or current academic level, with the overarching goal of improving literacy and protecting minors from exploitation.

While parents have welcomed the directive, they have also called for stronger measures to tackle the underlying economic and social factors contributing to school dropouts, such as poverty and teenage pregnancy. They advocate for support for vulnerable families to ensure long-term educational success.

Source: The Observer (Uganda) https://observer.ug/news/over-51000-school-age-children-unaccounted-for-in-agago