Suspected 71,533 Ghost Pupils Uncounted in Oyam District Headcount

16 September 2026, 6:25 pm

By Eman Yonah Oruk

Out of 169,392 pupils initially recorded as beneficiaries of Universal Primary Education -UPE- in government primary schools across Oyam District, a recent physical headcount has revealed that more than 71,533 pupils are missing.

This alarming discrepancy has raised serious concerns about accountability and the future of education in the district.

At Abang Primary School, government records had indicated 1,087 pupils, yet the headcount confirmed only 400 learners present. Similarly, at Abela Primary School, the government had registered 2,333 pupils, but the actual headcount showed just 966.

These figures point to a looming challenge of grant cuts, as UPE capitation grants are directly tied to pupil numbers.

Speaking on the matter, Hon. Nelson Adea Akar, the LCV Chairperson of Oyam District, warned that the reduced figures will severely affect the normal operations of schools. He noted that Abela Primary School, which registered only 966 pupils out of 2,333, and Abang Primary School, which dropped from 1,087 to 400, will face serious financial and operational challenges.

He compared the current figures with the last financial budget, which catered for 169,392 pupils, yet only 87,859 were counted this time, creating a huge gap that undermines effective planning and resource allocation.

Hon. Adea Akar attributed the problem largely to timing, explaining that many parents kept their children at home to help with planting during the rainy season. He also mentioned sickness and other factors as contributors.

He called on Members of Parliament and education authorities to review the timing of headcounts to avoid clashes with planting seasons. To parents, he appealed for cooperation, urging them to always send their children to school to ensure accurate records and protect the future of education in Oyam District.

Conclusively, Adea said this situation is going to affect the education department in Oyam District by leading to cuts in their UPE Capitation Grant.

James Ogwal, LC3 Chairperson of Myene Sub-County, also commented on the findings, blaming the gap in physical headcounts on parental failure to prioritize education. He stressed that parents must take responsibility to ensure their children are consistently present at school.

This development has sparked widespread concern, with stakeholders warning that the drastic drop in enrollment figures could cripple education services in Oyam unless urgent corrective measures are taken.