Kamdini sub county grapples with high school dropout rates among girls

28 March 2025, 12:23 pm

By Eman yonah Oruk

This was revealed by Acan Jennet Proscovia, Chairperson of the Women’s Council for Oyam district, during the belated International Women’s Day celebrations for Oyam district, held on 27th March 2025 at Kamdini Primary School. She stated that many girls in Kamdini are becoming pregnant due to the desire and influence to date Sudanese men from other regions, leading to high school dropout rates.

In her concluding remarks, she noted that this has given Kamdini a reputation as a hub for prostitution, with girls being influenced to date men, while boys drop out of school to engage in fishing.

Mary Aceng, the female LC5 councillor representing Kamdini sub county in Oyam district, observed that while many girls in Kamdini begin their education strongly at a young age, their numbers decline significantly as they progress through primary school.

She attributed this trend to Kamdini’s status as a business hub, where many children prioritise commerce over education.

Dicon Richard Ebong, representing Hon. Patrick Ogwang Obura, urged women to be strong pillars in their homes, safeguarding their families in all aspects, including politics, education, religion, and economic development. He emphasised that women hold a special blessing as the mothers of all.

The LC5 Chairperson of Oyam district, Benson Dilla, stated that boys in Kamdini drop out of school to engage in fishing and selling eggs and chickens by the roadside, which negatively impacts education.

He noted that this was one of the reasons why Oyam district chose Kamdini as the host. However, Oyuku urged parents to ensure their daughters remain in school to reduce dropout rates and nurture them into future leaders.

The Resident District Commissioner of Oyam, Sgt. Shilaku James, commended women for attending in large numbers and urged them to engage in productive activities that benefit their families and support government programmes, including ensuring their children attend school.

Honourable Santa Alum Ogwang, the guest of honour and Woman Member of Parliament for Oyam district, emphasised that education plays a crucial role in enabling women to enter the parliamentary race, citing her own experience with opponents.

She also called on parents to support the education of both boys and girls, stating that well-educated girls are valuable assets to society.

In her concluding remarks, Alum called on various stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation, religion, or tribe, to unite in addressing the challenges affecting women in Oyam, particularly gender-based violence. This follows research by Redeem International Uganda, which identified Oyam as the worst-performing district in terms of gender-based violence.