By Alfred Opio
PALLISA — The Office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) in Pallisa District has launched a district-wide school monitoring and supervision exercise following the reopening of schools for the second term, amid growing concern over low student attendance in several learning institutions.
The exercise, led by Pallisa RDC Majid Dhikusooka, is aimed at assessing student turn-up, teachers’ attendance, sanitation standards, lesson preparedness, and compliance with national education guidelines across schools in the district.
During the inspections, the RDC team expressed concern over the low number of learners who had reported back to school, particularly candidate classes preparing for national examinations.
Speaking during the monitoring exercise, Dhikusooka described the situation as alarming and urged learners to take education seriously if they are to secure a better future.
The RDC warned students against wasting valuable academic time on activities that could negatively affect their studies and future ambitions.
He particularly cautioned the girl child against abandoning education because of peer pressure and misleading influences from boda boda riders and street youth.
“Education remains the strongest weapon against poverty and ignorance. Learners must remain focused despite the challenges they face,” Dhikusooka emphasized.
He called upon students to embrace discipline, hard work, and commitment toward their academic goals.
Meanwhile, Deputy RDC Nakusi Aisha encouraged learners to take personal responsibility for their education and future success.
She reminded students that the choices they make while in school will determine their future careers and opportunities in life.
Nakusi particularly emphasized the importance of mastering the English language, noting that it remains the official language used in examinations and classroom instruction.
“Your future is entirely in your hands. You must remain disciplined, attentive in class, and committed to your studies if you want to succeed,” she told the learners.
The Deputy RDC also urged students to respect teachers, parents, and school rules, saying good conduct is essential for academic excellence and personal growth.
Assistant RDC Louis Patrick Okia used the opportunity to inspire learners by sharing his personal story about how education transformed his family despite humble beginnings.
“My parents raised eight children on a modest four-acre piece of land. Today, because of education, all eight are gainfully employed professionals who no longer depend on that small acreage for survival,” Okia said.
He challenged students to view education as the most reliable path toward economic independence and meaningful employment.
According to Okia, family land and other resources may not be sufficient to support future generations, making education a critical investment for every child.
He further encouraged learners to remain determined and avoid distractions that could compromise their dreams and ambitions.
The monitoring exercise also focused on evaluating teacher attendance, lesson planning, school sanitation, and adherence to government education policies.
The RDC team noted that regular supervision of schools is necessary to improve academic performance and strengthen accountability among education stakeholders.
Authorities further announced that the inspection exercise would later extend to wealth creation programs in rural sub-counties as part of broader government monitoring efforts.
The RDC office has since called upon parents to play a more active role in ensuring children report back to school on time at the beginning of every term.
Leaders emphasized that improving education standards requires cooperation between parents, teachers, schools, and government authorities.
