The Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Kayunga District, John Magezi Lukooki, has urged parents to take an active role in school activities and their children’s education, saying parental involvement is essential for building learners’ confidence and improving their academic performance and future prospects.
Lukooki made the appeal during a dedication ceremony for pupils at Kanjuki Junior School in Kayunga District, where parents were commended for their continued efforts to educate and provide for their children despite prevailing economic challenges.
He observed that active parental participation in school activities helps children feel supported, motivated and confident enough to excel academically and socially.
However, Magezi expressed concern over what he described as a growing tendency among some parents to neglect their responsibilities, including failing to provide their children with basic scholastic materials such as books and pens.
“Parents should not leave the responsibility of educating children entirely to teachers and school administrators. They must be actively involved in school activities and ensure that their children have the basic requirements needed for effective learning,” the Deputy RDC said.
He emphasized that educating children requires a collective effort involving parents, teachers, school administrators and other stakeholders to prepare learners for productive and fulfilling futures.
Magezi also commended parents who continue to make sacrifices to keep their children in school despite the rising cost of living. He urged them to remain committed to education, stressing the long-term benefits of investing in their children’s future.
He further encouraged parents to maintain regular communication with teachers, monitor their children’s academic progress and provide guidance at home to help learners overcome challenges that could affect their performance.
At the same function, Bugerere Ssaza Chief Samuel Ssemugooma called on school administrators to strengthen discipline and restore moral values among learners, describing these as essential foundations for responsible citizenship and effective leadership.
Ssemugooma said schools should go beyond academic instruction and deliberately nurture disciplined, morally upright and God-fearing individuals who can contribute positively to their communities and the country.
“School administrators should uphold discipline and work towards restoring moral values among learners. We need children who will grow into responsible citizens and competent leaders who fear God and respect others,” Ssemugooma said.
He emphasized that academic excellence should go hand in hand with good character, noting that learners need strong moral guidance to make responsible decisions and become dependable members of society.
The Ssaza Chief also challenged educators to work closely with parents and other stakeholders to address behavioural challenges among children and create an environment that supports both academic achievement and character development.
The dedication ceremony also featured the promotion of top-class pupils, marking their transition to the next stage of their education.
The promotion exercise provided an opportunity to recognize the learners’ progress and encourage them to remain focused on their studies as they prepare for greater academic responsibilities.
The event highlighted the importance of cooperation between families and schools in nurturing learners, with leaders calling for renewed commitment to parental responsibility, discipline and moral development.
Stakeholders were urged to sustain strong partnerships among parents, teachers and school administrators to ensure that children receive the academic support, guidance and values necessary to become responsible citizens and future leaders.