The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation has released a report indicating that Uganda has the highest number of school dropouts in the East African region.

Many grils still dropping out of school

According to UNESCO, out of 100 pupils who join primary one in Uganda, only 25% reach primary seven while in Kenya, 84%, Tanzania 81% and Rwanda stands at 74%, of those who complete primary.

It is also indicated that the school dropouts in Uganda are higher at primary level that secondary, leading to the highest number of illiterates in the country.

During the report’s presentation today, the head teacher of Germany Sec. School Nabunya Mariam concurred with the findings, saying socio-economic factors in the community and the schools are responsible for the high dropouts.

Nabunya has advised the government to implement better economic policies, increase capitation grant to primary schools, improve sex education and reduce the level of poverty in the country.

By Isaac Senabulya