Inomo, Kwania District – September 23, 2025
The Headteacher of Inomo Secondary School, Mr. Joe Robinson Okwir, has expressed concern over the low student turnout as schools officially reopened for third term on Monday, September 15, 2025.
According to Mr. Okwir, out of over 800 enrolled students, only 350 had reported back to school by the end of the first week. He attributes the low numbers to parents who are keeping their children at home, despite the availability of teachers and the official start of the academic term.
“This is the third and final term of the year. It is very crucial, especially for candidates. I urge all parents to send their children back to school immediately,” Mr. Okwir said in an interview.
His appeal comes at a time when the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) declared a nationwide strike on the same day schools opened, demanding salary increments for arts and humanities teachers. However, not all teachers have joined the industrial action.
Teachers under the Uganda Professional and Humanities Teachers’ Union (UPHTU), which includes many secondary school educators, have distanced themselves from the strike. The union stated that their ongoing negotiations with the government are progressing positively, with assurances of a 25% salary increment.
Despite the non-participation of many secondary teachers in the strike, schools like Inomo SS are still grappling with low attendance.
Mr. Okwir reassured parents that teaching staff at Inomo Secondary School are fully present and ready to deliver lessons. “The teachers are here and ready to teach, but the learners are not in school. Parents need to take this seriously,” he emphasized.
Education officials in the district are monitoring the situation closely, urging stakeholders to prioritize learning and avoid disruptions during this critical academic period.
