The State Minister for Primary Education, Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, has called upon parents to take full responsibility in supporting their children’s education, emphasizing that education is a shared duty between families and government.
Dr. Kaducu made the remarks during a meeting of government primary school headteachers held at St. Joseph Naggalama Mixed and Primary School. She represented the Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataha Museveni, and engaged education stakeholders on the implementation and strengthening of the Universal Primary Education (UPE) programme.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders including Resident District Commissioner Hajjat Fatuma Ndisaba Nabitaka, Chief Administrative Officer Henry Ddamba and The Principal Town Clerk of Nakifuma Naggalama Town Council, District Education Officer Rashid Kikomeko, inspectors of schools, headteachers, and local leaders.
Dr. Kaducu expressed concern over increasing cases where parents neglect their obligations, leaving schools and government to shoulder responsibilities such as feeding and scholastic materials.
She emphasized that while government provides free education under UPE, parents must actively support their children to ensure improved learning outcomes.
“Education is a shared responsibility. Parents must provide basic needs such as meals and guidance to enable learners to succeed,” she said.
She also cautioned headteachers against automatic promotion of learners without merit, stressing that promotion must reflect actual learning achievement.
Dr. Kaducu appreciated the increase in enrollment under UPE but emphasized that the focus must now shift to improving the quality of education. She encouraged stakeholders to identify practical solutions to reduce dropout rates, improve learner performance, and restore public confidence in government schools.
She further pledged continued engagement between the Ministry and education stakeholders to address emerging challenges and strengthen the education system.
The District Education Officer, Mr. Rashid Kikomeko, cautioned schools against using unauthorized teaching materials and urged school administrators to maintain professionalism, accountability, and proper reporting standards.
He revealed that Mukono District registered 11,699 candidates in government schools for the recent Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), with 10,667 passing and 1,032 failing. He called on headteachers to focus on supporting struggling learners and ensuring registered candidates complete their examinations.
The Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Henry Ddamba, emphasized the need to standardize school feeding programs and strengthen human resource management to improve learner performance.
The Resident District Commissioner, Hajjat Fatuma Ndisaba, urged parents to fulfill their responsibilities and commended stakeholders for their commitment to improving education standards.
Local leaders also raised concerns about teacher welfare and encroachment on school land. The Mayor of Nakifuma Naggalama Town Council Isa Nvule called on government to enhance teachers’ salaries and protect school property from illegal land grabbing.
Meanwhile, education leaders encouraged schools to participate in co-curricular activities such as debating competitions to promote discipline, confidence, and character development among learners.
The engagement reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Universal Primary Education through improved quality, accountability, and stakeholder collaboration.
Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu emphasized that achieving quality education requires joint efforts from government, schools, parents, and communities. With renewed focus on parental involvement, professional standards, and effective leadership in schools, Mukono District is taking critical steps toward improving learner performance, restoring confidence in public schools, and ensuring every child receives meaningful and quality education.
