Education standards in Tororo District have steadily declined in recent years, with several government-aided schools posting poor academic results despite enrolling hundreds of candidates annually.
The situation has raised concern among education stakeholders and political leaders, particularly as some schools grapple with crumbling infrastructure, inadequate staff housing and overcrowded classrooms.
In response, political leaders in the district have introduced an initiative aimed at rewarding best-performing learners in both primary and secondary schools. The programme is intended to motivate learners, encourage healthy competition and ultimately improve academic performance--an effort leaders say is beginning to show positive signs.
According to Nicholas Owino, Member of Parliament-elect for Tororo County North, rewarding learners helps give education purpose and direction.
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"Some children don't even understand why they are in school. But when they know that if they perform well there is something in return, it encourages them to work harder," Owino said.
Similarly, Richard Owere Machika, Member of Parliament-elect for West Budama North East, noted that although challenges remain, gradual improvement has been registered over time.
"We are seeing improvement every year. This year may not reflect it clearly, but over the past four years there has been steady progress," Machika said.
However, education stakeholders caution that learner motivation alone cannot resolve the deep-rooted structural challenges affecting academic performance.
They point to the lack of teachers' quarters, which forces many teachers to walk long distances to school, as well as an alarming teacher-to-pupil ratio in some institutions, where a single educator handles close to 200 learners.
A parent, Osende Martin Okwero, said overcrowding has severely compromised learning outcomes in many government schools.
"One teacher is handling over 200 learners. Sometimes they don't even mark the pupils' books. I have visited these schools myself," he said.
School administrators share similar concerns. Gertrude Ayet, headteacher of Mollo Primary School in Tororo District, said exhausted teachers struggle to deliver effective lessons.
"When a teacher walks a long distance and arrives at school completely exhausted, they struggle to teach effectively. They may be in class, but too tired to deliver," Ayet explained.
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The challenge is further compounded by the lack of school feeding programmes. Close to 80 percent of government primary schools in the district reportedly do not provide meals for learners, a situation leaders say negatively affects concentration and academic performance.
Incoming political leaders have pledged that beyond motivating learners, they will engage parents and central government to ensure each party fulfils its responsibility in supporting education.
"Children must eat while at school. At least a modest lunch of posho and beans. Parents need to wake up and understand that this is their responsibility," Owino added.
Machika also emphasized the need for stronger government intervention.
"Lobbying government to provide basics like teachers' quarters, supporting school feeding, and engaging teachers will help us go much further," he said.
Once regarded as one of the strongholds of academic excellence in eastern Uganda, Tororo's performance has declined over the years.
Nevertheless, leaders remain optimistic that with collective effort from parents, teachers and policymakers, the district can reclaim its academic standing.
