Leaders in Buliisa District are raising alarm over the escalating girl dropout rates in Buliisa, especially in Ngwedo and Kigwera sub-counties. Mr Godfrey Muhumuza, the district sports officer, revealed that nearly 90% of girls who start Primary One never reach Primary Seven.
He spoke on Wednesday during the launch of Bagungu Folk Stories, an event organized by the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU). Mr Muhumuza blamed early marriage and harmful cultural beliefs for the growing crisis. According to him, many parents still believe girls should marry at 14 or 15 instead of completing school.
“This mindset is robbing our girls of their future,” he said. “We must change it urgently.”
He called on all stakeholders—schools, communities, religious leaders, and parents—to collaborate. Without joint action, he warned, more girls will lose the chance to shape their own futures. He also linked low school retention to issues like vandalism and early pregnancy.
At Kisomere Primary School in Ngwedo Sub-county, only 12 out of 151 girls who enrolled in Primary One are now in Primary Seven. Head teacher Mr Tony Okello confirmed that most dropouts occur between Primary Four and Primary Seven. He said the school currently has 1,500 pupils.
Mr Fredrick Nsibambi, CCFU’s deputy executive director, said girl dropout rates in Buliisa reflect a national problem. He cited other remote areas like Arua, Kalangala, and Karamoja where similar patterns have emerged. He also warned that even the few girls who make it to Primary Seven may not finish Senior Four unless conditions improve.
“Parents must step up and prioritize their daughters’ education,” Mr Nsibambi said. “Change starts at home.”
Buliisa Deputy Resident District Commissioner Mr Sylvester Tumukurate delivered a stern warning. He said authorities would arrest parents who push their daughters out of school or enable child marriages. He stressed that education remains a fundamental right for every child.
“Any adult who defiles or abuses a young girl will face prosecution,” he declared. “We will not tolerate injustice toward children.”
Mr Tumukurate urged local leaders to help enforce laws that protect children from early marriage and abuse. He emphasized that ending dropouts requires action from both families and institutions.
District leaders believe that cultural change must happen alongside law enforcement. They plan to engage community elders, teachers, and religious leaders in outreach programs. These efforts will focus on the long-term value of education for both girls and the community.
Advocates say solutions must go beyond school walls. Families need economic support, safe learning environments, and consistent awareness campaigns. Only then can the district make meaningful progress.
Although the statistics are troubling, leaders remain hopeful. They believe that sustained, united efforts can reduce girl dropout rates in Buliisa and help young girls unlock their full potential through education.
READ: Museveni Urges More Focus on Science and Technology in Education
