Primary school leavers hoping to join secondary schools have been advised to avoid bad peer groups that may lead them into academic decay.

They were warned against associating with groups that would lure them into bad habits like taking alcohol, smoking and bad behaviour at school and home.

The advice was given by the director of Devine Holistic Ministries, based in Njeru, Buikwe district, Pastor Fred Kiwanuka.

He was addressing pupils of Day Spring Elementary School, at a function during which the school leavers were given certificates and prizes, last week.

He called on parents to always find time to talk to their children regarding issues of good behaviour, aiming high, academically and obeying school authorities when they join secondary schools. "We should have Christian values inculcated in our children for a better upbringing and future development of Uganda," Kiwanuka said.

He commended parents for educating their children as they are the future leaders and urged the children to select careers that will lead to a continuous fight against corruption in the country.

The school director, George Muzaale, said: "You will find many students who scored highly in PLE with aggregate four and five, but do not fear them. "Join and compete with them so that you improve your academic performance."