Higher Institutions of learning in Kisoro district have generally registered a low turn up of students on the reporting day, Institution Principals claim low numbers can be attributed to early marriages and pregnancies among students.
Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa on September, 22nd 2021, announced that all universities and Tertiary institutions across the country would be reopened on November 1st 2021 provided that teachers, support staff and students are inoculated for Covid -19.
The President further re-echoed his sentiments last week during the presidential address on Covid-19 and state of security.
A walk about town revealed that majority of higher learning institutions were struggling to attract turn up of students.
Kisoro Municipal teachers college, one of the oldest colleges in Kisoro Municipality had not registered any student and this was towards 10am.
Teachers were present and food was being prepared for the boarding section but Alas!!! No students.
College Principal Muganyizi Athan says there is hope that students will report with time but most students have been reportedly married and this can be considered as a huge set back to the girl child education.
Voice of Muhabura also visited Kisoro International Vocational institute (KIVI) where over 50 students had reported by 1:00pm.
The Institution’s director, Uwayezu Emmanuel son to Hanyurwa Sheba, prominent local tour business owner says that Covid-19 has greatly retarded progress of schools generally but KIVI ensured to plan for students returning with pregnancies or marriage status.
Uwayezu advised married couples who are still studying to continue with studies especially hands on skills education because they will come in handy when the family expands.
The Kigezi Block prime institute principal, Byimana Amos advised parents to ensure that students return to institutions as early as possible because the school is well prepared in all aspects.
Huge number of Students turned up at Kisoro Municipal vocational training institute owned by former Kisoro Municipal Member of Parliament Sam Byibesho.
The school principal, Michael Tumwizere says that the management utilized the Covid-19 Lockdown to prepare adequately and advertising was top priority for the learning institution.
The learning institutions that were sampled were all private. Government aided institutions faced similar challenges but were not readily available to speak to the media.
Voice of Muhabura editorial team will unveil a three part series on the fate of education following the prolonged lock down. Issues like early marriage, teenage pregnancies and curriculum will be interrogated deeply.
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