Akena argued that education must provide practical skills to children who drop out before Primary Five, and that investment should begin with training teachers rather than simply expanding enrolment. He said UPE funding of UGX 20,000 per pupil was far below what is required to provide quality education.
“UNEB will not condone any cases of indiscipline. Previously we have had parents running to us telling us that my son or daughter has been sent away from school and now we want you to intervene and force the school to have my child back to do his examination because he is a candidate. We have told them that being a candidate doesn’t immunize your child from following school regulations,” Odongo highlighted.
Since the eruption of the internal conflicts in the FDC party, the leadership based in Najjanakumbi has been sending an olive branch to the Katonga leaders seeking fertile ground for reconciliation; however, with the EC’s permission, to further the registration of PFF, Katonga leaders seem to be unbothered by the olive branch from Najjanankumbi.
“Every child is meant to be at school, and the teachers in UPE and USE schools are paid salaries, so there shouldn't be issues of illiteracy in communities, high rates of school dropouts, and absenteeism."
The data capture program will not only help with PDM but also with security, as criminals will be easily gotten through having the addresses and contacts in place.