The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has urged the government to track school dropouts, analyze their challenges, and provide the necessary support to help them continue their education.

The FDC spokesperson, John Kikonyogo, confirmed the development while addressing the media on October 16, 2023.

Kikonyogo revealed that the government, through the Ministry of Education, plays a vital role in shaping the future of the nation, and this requires making sure that every child gets an opportunity to go to school because they are the country’s future.

“The government should develop and implement a vigorous methodology to track school dropouts, understand their challenges, and help them access other opportunities for personal and professional growth,” Kikonyogo said.

He analyzed that in 2019, a total of 683,302 candidates sat for the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE); however, out of this group, only 364,421 students have been able to write their Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams this year, leaving out 318,881 who were not able to make it for the examinations due to different reasons that the government needs to tackle.

“The fate and whereabouts of these 318,881 students remain a cause for concern. It raises the question of whether the government has devised a plan to address the educational needs and opportunities for these young individuals, “he added.

FDC urged the government to address this issue in order to lower rates of illiteracy and ignorance and ensure that all school-age children complete their education.