Parents across Pallisa District have been urged to fully exercise their responsibility of raising and guiding their children during this long holiday and festive season, especially as it coincides with the heated political period ahead of the 2026 elections.
The call was made by Mr. Okurut Julius Arecho, the Pallisa County MP aspirant, while presiding over the Top Class 4th Graduation Ceremony at Mother Kevin Nursery and Primary School in Pallisa Town on Saturday.
Addressing parents, teachers, and community leaders, Mr. Okurut expressed concern over the risks children face when left without proper supervision during extended school breaks.
He noted that the 2025 holiday has collided with political activities, creating opportunities for children to engage in unsafe environments such as unnecessary movements during Kadodi festivities and staying out late at water points and boreholes.
“Teachers take nine months with our children and in that period they are fostered well. But in the three months of holiday, children are exposed to numerous challenges that can block their future,” Okurut said.
He pointed out that the district continues to register cases of early marriages, defilement, unwanted pregnancies, and an increasing number of boys being imprisoned over avoidable offences such as theft and gatecrashing.
He regretted that some of these incidents have even claimed the lives of youth in Pallisa.
Turning to the graduation ceremony, Okurut underscored the importance of pre-primary education as a critical step in shaping socially responsible and confident children.
He cautioned parents against dismissing nursery education as merely preparatory learning for academics.
“Some parents mistake nursery education as simply setting a foundation for kids. They forget that it prepares them in areas such as socialization, sharing, tolerance, and readiness to face situations independently,” he said.
Okurut emphasized that nurturing a child’s early development helps them grow into “acceptable social beings” and sets a pathway toward major academic achievements.
He further revealed that his manifesto includes a plan to ensure kindergarten sections are introduced in public schools, saying the policy already exists but awaits effective implementation.
“People take nursery graduations for granted, forgetting that they set children into focusing on future academic milestones, including university graduation, aligned with who they aspire to become,” he added.
While presenting certificates to 127 graduands, the aspirant, who asked the audience to begin seeing him as “MP-to-be”, encouraged parents to offer their children holistic guidance rooted in respect, discipline, obedience, and humility.
In a colorful climax to the ceremony, Okurut joined the children in cutting a celebratory cake, symbolizing what he described as the “sweet success of their early academic journey,” before rushing off to continue his vote-hunting engagements in the community.
The Head Teacher, Sister Nankindu Harriet, who paraded the 127 graduands, thanked parents for consistently supporting the school and commended the infant class teachers for playing a parental role in the children’s growth.
She praised the dedication and attentiveness of kindergarten teachers, noting that caring for young learners requires patience, love, and constant engagement.
Mr. John Opedun, the Pallisa District Inspector of Schools, reaffirmed the significance of childhood education, stressing that it forms the backbone of a child’s formal learning path.
He warned parents against considering nursery schools as mere daycare centers while they attend to their daily work.
“Children in early learning are supported to develop in all three domains, psychomotor, affective, and cognitive. Parents should appreciate and own this crucial entry into formal education,” Mr. Opedun said.
On his part, Mr. Charles Otwao, Chairperson of Pallisa District Private Schools Association, encouraged parents to continue enrolling their children in private schools, saying they are fully prepared with adequate structures and qualified teachers to support learners.
He humorously urged parents to “produce more children” since both public and private schools are ready to absorb and nurture them.
Otwao appreciated parents for their continued support and promised that private schools will maintain high standards of learning and discipline.
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