Budaka education officer urges parents to provide lunch for learners

[Da Dona]

The Budaka District Education Officer, Ms Khanifa Mugala, has urged parents to provide lunch for their children at school, warning that learners who attend classes hungry may struggle to concentrate and perform well academically.

Speaking at the Kamonkoli Seed Secondary School PTA annual meeting last Friday, Mugala said some parents were failing to meet their responsibilities, contributing to poor performance in schools.
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“Most parents have adamantly failed to perform their obligations to provide basic needs for their children while at school. This remains a serious concern and partly contributes to poor performance in schools,” she said.​

She added that learners without food may become weak and distracted, making it difficult for them to follow lessons effectively.

Mugala also called on parents to respect teachers and take a leading role in promoting discipline among their children.
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“If parents don't give respect to teachers, then what do you expect from the child to do? Let parents champion discipline into their children,” she said.​

Kamonkoli Seed Secondary School headteacher, Mr Martin Luther Ochan, said the school had agreed on a Shs50,000 contribution for feeding, but only 31 out of the school's 1,080 learners had paid.
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“The school decided to make it optional for those who may wish to eat at school, but parents don't want to make that small contribution,” Ochan said.​

He said the school was also struggling with a shortage of teachers, with only 21 government teachers serving the large student population.

The school was initially intended to offer education up to O-Level, but parents pushed for the introduction of A-Level. The school subsequently hired 12 PTA teachers, but 10 were later laid off due to financial constraints.

“The available teachers are overloaded because they have to move from class to class,” Ochan said.

He also cited inadequate water, classrooms and funds for assessments among the school's challenges.

Education Secretary Mr Stephen Bumba urged parents to invest in their children's education instead of relying entirely on government support.
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“Let's invest in our children. Stop lamenting that government has stopped to make any small contribution,” he said.​

Budaka LC5 Chairperson Mr Anthony Kateu similarly encouraged parents to contribute towards their children's education.
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“The best investment one can give to his child is education. Please, forget about these pronouncements, make that small contribution,” he said.​

PTA Chairperson Mr Willy Zirimusanga also urged parents to support school programmes to improve the learning environment and the performance of learners.​