Hunger Keeps Butaleja Learners Away from School.

By Ambrose Wanagoli

School administrators across Butaleja District have raised alarm over rising absenteeism, attributing the trend largely to the lack of midday meals for learners.

A visit on Tuesday to several primary schools—including Nawonya, Dumbu, Mpologoma, Bunawale, and Budusu—revealed that many pupils are skipping afternoon lessons, with hunger cited as a key factor.

Headteachers reported that a significant number of learners are abandoning school to engage in income-generating or domestic activities such as planting groundnuts, babysitting, and fishing along River Mpologoma.

At Dumbu Primary School, Deputy Headteacher Thomas Maliro said the school loses an average of 200 pupils daily due to hunger. He noted that although enrolment once reached 900, daily attendance now fluctuates between 700 and 750. Efforts to engage parents revealed that many children stay home because they lack food during the school day.

“We have decided to involve parents more closely to address this challenge,” Maliro said.

Similarly, Catherine Nabuharya, Headteacher of Mpologoma Primary School, confirmed high absenteeism rates, particularly in the afternoon. She urged parents to provide simple meals such as roasted cassava to keep learners in school throughout the day.

At Budusu Primary School, Deputy Headteacher Stephen Hiisa Tabo linked absenteeism not only to hunger but also to frequent bereavements in the community. He explained that many pupils are kept at home to help families cope during periods of mourning.

Meanwhile, Bunawale Primary School Headteacher Yokosan Higenyi observed that absenteeism peaks during harvest seasons, when children are drawn into agricultural activities.

In private schools visited on Monday, administrators highlighted additional challenges and called for government support, emphasizing that their learners are equally Ugandan and deserve assistance.

Among the schools visited were Hope for You Nursery and Primary School in Kamwokya, Waguma Memorial Nursery and Primary School in Buyanga, Molt Nursery and Primary School in Budumba, and Centre View Primary School, also in Budumba.

David Ewotu, Headteacher of Hope for You, cited a shortage of classrooms, delays in government support such as text payments, and limited access to affordable loans.

Joel Mugoya of Waguma Memorial said that although the school conducts regular quarterly assessments, many parents delay paying school fees, affecting operations.

At Molt Nursery and Primary School, Headteacher Joseph Awibu noted that while smaller class sizes improve learning and management, collecting enough fees to pay teachers remains a challenge.

Meanwhile, Badiru Njabukhana, Director of Centre View Primary School, said his institution strives to complete the syllabus on time to remain competitive nationally. He, however, urged fellow school proprietors to prioritize hiring qualified teachers.

Education stakeholders in Butaleja are now calling for urgent interventions—particularly school feeding programs—to improve attendance and ensure learners remain in class.