The State Minister for Primary Education, Joyce Moriku Kaducu, has urged parents to play a more deliberate and active role in supporting their children's education, cautioning that the long-term success of Universal Primary Education (UPE) hinges on effective collaboration between families, schools, and government.
Dr. Kaducu made the remarks on Thursday at St Joseph Naggalama Mixed and Primary School, representing the Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs Janet Kataaha Museveni, during an engagement with government primary school headteachers in Mukono District.
The meeting brought together key district leaders, including Resident District Commissioner Hajjat Fatuma Ndisaba Nabitaka, Chief Administrative Officer Henry Ddamba, District Education Officer Rashid Kikomeko, school inspectors, headteachers, and local leaders.
Discussions focused on emerging challenges affecting UPE implementation and the quality of learning outcomes in the district.
Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines
Dr Kaducu expressed concern over a growing trend of parental neglect, with some families shifting responsibilities -- such as providing meals, scholastic materials, and learner supervision -- entirely to schools and government.
"Education is a shared responsibility. While government provides free tuition under UPE, parents must ensure their children have basic needs, guidance, and support to succeed," she said.
She also cautioned headteachers against automatic promotion of learners without mastery of content, stressing that progression must be based on demonstrated learning to safeguard academic standards.
While commending rising enrolment, Kaducu urged stakeholders to prioritize improving learning quality, reducing dropout rates, and enhancing learner performance to rebuild public confidence in government schools.
She reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to ongoing dialogue and practical interventions aimed at strengthening the education system.
District Education Officer Rashid Kikomeko warned schools against using unauthorized instructional materials, calling for professionalism, accountability, and adherence to reporting standards.
He reported that Mukono District registered 11,699 candidates for the recent Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), of whom 10,667 passed while 1,032 did not meet required grades.
Kikomeko urged headteachers to provide targeted support to struggling learners.
Chief Administrative Officer Henry Ddamba emphasized the need to streamline school feeding programs and strengthen human resource management to boost academic performance.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
Resident District Commissioner Hajjat Fatuma Ndisaba commended education stakeholders for their dedication and echoed the call for parents to fulfil their responsibilities.
Local leaders also raised concerns over teacher welfare and encroachment on school land. The Mayor of Nakifuma-Naggalama Town Council, Isa Nvule, called for better teacher remuneration and stronger protection of school property from illegal land grabbing.
Education leaders encouraged schools to actively participate in co-curricular activities, including debates and competitions, highlighting their role in nurturing discipline, confidence, and character among learners.
The engagement concluded with district and national leaders pledging renewed support for UPE through enhanced quality assurance, accountability, and stakeholder collaboration.
"Government alone cannot do it. Schools, parents, and communities must work together to ensure every child not only accesses education but receives quality learning opportunities," Kaducu said.
