Amuria district leadership on Thursday launched “a sweeping operation” that led to the arrest of several parents accused of keeping their children out of school despite the official opening of the first term on February 10.
The operation, commanded by RDC Eseru Paul, targeted parents found at home and in markets with their children during school hours.
Many arrests were made in Willa sub-county, where authorities say absenteeism is particularly high on market days.
RDC Eseru added that the crackdown followed intelligence reports indicating that some parents in Willa sub-county were deliberately keeping children at home on market days, especially during trading activities at Ogwau Nukon market.
The RDC, accompanied by his team, mainly the Assistant RDC Moses Ibwala and Operative Lwomoki from Diso’s Office, visited Willa Primary School, where the situation painted a grim picture.
Out of an expected enrollment of 1,000 pupils, only 205 learners had reported for the first term, leaving nearly 800 pupils absent.
The low turnout reportedly angered district authorities and prompted immediate enforcement action.
“The operation will continue and intensify tomorrow (February 13), with enforcement teams expected to conduct similar crackdowns at Onyam Gurok market in Orungo sub-county and other identified hotspots,” the RDC said.
Authorities say parents who deliberately keep children out of school will face arrest.
District officials linked the poor attendance to declining academic performance. In the 2025 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), Amuria district registered only 39 candidates in Division One, while over 900 pupils were graded in Division U.
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