The lack of a government-aided secondary school in Buliisa sub-county, Buliisa district, is severely affecting access to secondary education, with local leaders and residents warning of a growing dropout crisis among learners.
Currently, students are forced to walk 15 to 20 kilometres to reach Butiaba or Ngwedu Seed secondary schools, the nearest public institutions. The long distances and high cost of private schools have discouraged many learners from continuing their education beyond primary seven.
Parents and leaders are now calling on the government to urgently construct a seed secondary school in the sub-county to secure their children’s future.
Baleke Kasonu, a parent, said his daughter dropped out after completing primary school because he could not afford private school fees and that if the area had a public school nearby, she’d still be studying.
John Balikenda, a resident of Bugana village, added that many dropouts turn to fishing at an early age, which harms their education and limits future opportunities. Margaret Kabiise, also from Bugana, echoed the concern saying most parents in the area are too poor to afford private secondary schools and that’s why most children stop at primary seven.
Kamanda Kabagambe, the LC III chairperson for Buliisa sub-county, noted that his area is the only sub-county in the district without a government-aided secondary school, a gap he says has frustrated education efforts for years.
He revealed that the sub-county recently secured eight acres of land to host a school but lacks the funds to commence construction. Fred Lukumu, the Buliisa district LC V chairperson, confirmed that leaders have been lobbying the government and assured residents that plans are underway to establish a school.
Lukumu said they’re engaging with the government under the Uganda Inter-Government Fiscal Transfer Programme, and are hopeful that construction will begin in the next financial year. The Uganda Inter-Government Fiscal Transfer Programme, funded by the World Bank, is designed to ensure that every sub-county without a public secondary school receives one — giving hope to underserved areas like Buliisa sub-county.
