Agago District has directed parents and guardians to ensure all children aged between six and 18 return to school when the third term begins on September 14, 2026, amid concern that more than 51,000 school-age children are currently unaccounted for in the formal education system.

The directive was issued by the District Executive Committee on behalf of the district council as part of efforts to address the high number of children who are not enrolled in school or have dropped out.

According to the 2024 Uganda Bureau of Statistics census, Agago has 63,059 children aged between six and 12 and 49,367 aged between 13 and 18, bringing the total population of children aged six to 18 to 112,426.

However, District Chairperson Wilson Otto said only 56,020 children were enrolled in primary schools by the end of the second term, while another 4,591 were enrolled in secondary schools.

This leaves an estimated 51,815 children unaccounted for in the formal education system, a situation Otto described as a serious concern for the district.

He said the district would work with local leaders, education officials, parents and security agencies to ensure that school-age children return to class and remain in school.

Under the enforcement measures, any child below the age of 18 found loitering in markets, trading centres or other public places during school hours without a legitimate reason will be identified and referred to the relevant authorities for appropriate action.

Otto also warned parents and guardians against keeping children out of school or exposing them to activities that could subject them to harm or exploitation.

The district says poverty, teenage pregnancy and domestic responsibilities are among the major factors contributing to school dropout and preventing children from remaining in school.

By Our Reporter