By Emmanuel Olinga
Education experts and local leaders in Katakwi District have expressed growing concern over the persistently low enrollment and retention of girl children in secondary schools, attributing the problem to early pregnancies, child marriages, and high poverty levels among families.
The issue came to light during a blessing ceremony for Senior Four and Senior Six candidates of Usuk Senior Secondary School, held on Sunday at St. Anne Catholic Church, where speakers called for renewed efforts to keep girls in school and promote gender parity in education.
Mr. Joseph Okiror, the headteacher of Usuk Senior Secondary School, painted a grim picture of the situation in his own institution.
He revealed that out of 47 Senior Four candidates, only six are girls, while of the 81 Senior Six candidates, just 15 are female.
“The statistics clearly show that boys outnumber girls by far,” Okiror said. “Many parents prioritize educating boys while viewing girls as a source of income through dowry. This mindset has greatly affected girls’ education in Katakwi.”
He noted that poverty remains a major factor, forcing some families to marry off their daughters early or withdraw them from school when resources become scarce.
“Parents still hold onto the belief that investing in a boy’s education yields more returns. Girls are being denied their right to education and are often pushed into early marriages,” Okiror lamented.
Okiror further attributed the low enrollment of girls to teenage pregnancy and the lingering social effects of the COVID-19 lockdowns, which disrupted schooling across the country.
“Many girls became pregnant at as young as 15, while still in primary school,” he explained. “When schools reopened after COVID-19, most of them did not return, leaving a visible gap in our secondary school classrooms.”
He added that despite government and NGO campaigns against early marriage and teenage pregnancy, the problem persists due to weak community enforcement and limited parental guidance.
Okiror acknowledged the intervention of Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Rose Alupo, who hails from the same district, for launching a special scholarship program to support girls who excel in Senior Four and Senior Six national examinations.
“Her Excellency the Vice President has taken a keen interest in this issue. Through her scholarship initiative, girls who perform well are supported to continue their education. This has not only motivated girls but also inspired parents to value girl-child education,” Okiror said.
He called on parents to emulate such leadership by investing equally in both boys and girls, stressing that education remains the best weapon against poverty.
As the examination season begins, Okiror urged parents not to assign heavy domestic work to their children, particularly candidates, so that they can have enough time to revise.
“Parents should allow candidates to focus on their studies. Some students are distracted by housework or by being sent to sell alcohol or other items in trading centers. This must stop, especially during this critical period,” he advised.
He also warned students against engaging in drug abuse or unnecessary movements, urging them to stay home and stay safe while preparing for their final examinations as per the UNEB guidelines.
“Discipline and respect for invigilators are key. Any act of misconduct during exams could lead to disqualification,” he cautioned.
The blessing ceremony was presided over by Rev. Fr. Xavier Francis Okello, who prayed for the candidates and encouraged them to remain spiritually grounded as they enter the examination season.
“Always seek God’s guidance before writing your papers,” Fr. Okello advised. “Wisdom comes from God, and when you trust in Him, He will bless your efforts.”
Meanwhile, Ms. Betty Acham, the Inspector of Schools in Ngora District, who attended the event as a guest, warned students against examination malpractice, noting that any involvement could lead to cancellation of results, arrest, or prosecution.
“Examination cheating destroys your future. Be confident in your preparation,” Acham said. She also cautioned invigilators and supervisors against aiding students in any form of malpractice.
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