By Our Reporter

Authorities in Amuria District have launched a sweeping enforcement operation targeting parents accused of keeping their children out of school, resulting in several arrests on the first day of the crackdown.

The operation, led by Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Eseru Paul, focused on homes and busy trading centers where school-age children were found loitering during official school hours. Willa Sub-county, where absenteeism is reportedly widespread particularly on market days was the primary target.

District officials say intelligence reports revealed that some parents have been deliberately keeping their children at home to assist with trading activities at Ogwau Nukon Market, a practice authorities argue is severely undermining school attendance and academic performance.

Accompanied by Assistant RDC Moses Ibwala and an operative from the District Internal Security Office (DISO), RDC Eseru inspected Willa Primary School, where attendance figures highlighted the severity of the issue. Of approximately 1,000 enrolled pupils expected to report for the first term, only 205 were present. Nearly 800 learners were absent.

“This is unacceptable. Education is not optional,” RDC Eseru said during the inspection. “Parents who deliberately deny children their right to education will be arrested and prosecuted. We are not going to watch the future of this district being destroyed.”

Authorities confirmed that the enforcement exercise will intensify in the coming days, with planned operations at Onyam Gurok Market in Orungo Sub-county and other identified hotspots.

District officials have identified market days as a significant contributor to declining attendance, noting a consistent drop in school turnout when trading activities peak. “We have observed a pattern where attendance drastically falls on market days,” one district official said. “This has to stop.”

The crackdown follows growing concern over declining academic performance in the district. In the most recent Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), Amuria registered only 39 candidates in Division One, while more than 900 pupils were graded in Division U. Education authorities have described the results as alarming and directly linked them to chronic absenteeism and limited parental involvement.

“Education begins at home,” RDC Eseru emphasized. “If parents fail to play their role, government intervention becomes inevitable.”

The arrests have generated mixed reactions among residents. Some community members have welcomed the firm stance, arguing that stronger enforcement will help restore discipline and improve academic standards. Others, however, have raised concerns about the economic pressures facing families.

Several parents indicated they depend on their children’s assistance in markets to cope with poverty and rising living costs. District authorities maintain that while they recognize the economic challenges, keeping children out of school is not a viable solution.

“We understand the hardships families face,” RDC Eseru said. “But sacrificing a child’s education cannot be justified.”

Officials have pledged that the operation will be sustained rather than symbolic, with local leaders tasked to monitor attendance in their respective areas and security teams conducting regular spot checks during school hours.

District authorities say the ultimate objective is to reverse declining academic trends, improve literacy levels, and secure a better future for children in Amuria.