The implementation of Universal Primary Education (UPE) programme in Kyenjojo district is being marred by the high rate of absenteeism.
Kyenjojo distrcit is home to more than 130 primary schools.
Absenteeism is common at schools in Nyakwanzi Sub County and although some progress has been reported elsewhere, Kyenjojo is still crawling at the mercy of parents who deny their children an opportunity to go to school.
Only 40 Out of the 120 children that were enrolled for the UPE program At Nyakwanzi Primary School, have been turning up for P.5 Classes.
Bahemuka the headteacher says the trend has affected the schools performance. He says, the high rate of absenteeism was responsible for the poor performance of the school in last year's Primary Leaving Examinations.
Out of 200 pupils who sat for the PLE, two pupils got second division and the rest where in third division.
David Musinguzi, the Inspector of Schools, blames parents for the high rate of absenteeism. He says that some parents have continued to engage their children in household chores, at the expense of their education.
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At Nyakwanzi Sub County market, Business is brisk but with most of the transactions taking place between school going children and their parents.
10-year-old David Busobozi, says he can not go to school daily because he has to help his sick mother sell merchandise. Busobozi says that he only goes to school when the condition of his mother has improved.
The high rate of absenteeism has also been felt at Kyarusozi Primary School. David Mijumbi, the head teacher says that most of the children are employed in tea plantations neighboring the school.
Mijumbi says that the school management board has warned the management of the tea factories to stop employing the children,but in vain.
He says that some children attend classes for only month in a term and return to sit for their examinations, often resulting into poor performance.
