A mass registration exercise aimed at capturing data for children aged one day old to 16 years old is facing significant hurdles in Kasese, as local authorities report a disappointing low turnout of parents at schools.
The initiative, spearheaded by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), is running concurrently with the Education Management Information System (EMIS) registration mandated by the Ministry of Education. Both programs are designed to streamline government planning, yet both are currently being undermined by a lack of parental cooperation.
Tobia Kyomuhendo, the Principal Education Officer for Kasese Municipality, expressed concern over the slow progress. she noted that the failure of parents to provide basic required information has created a vacuum in data collection, which directly affects the government’s ability to plan and allocate budgets effectively.
Headteachers across Kasese municipality have echoed their concerns, citing different reasons for the weak response:
Elias Kabega, Headteacher of Kasese Muslim Primary School, observed that many parents have failed to sacrifice time to visit schools and complete the necessary paperwork, stalling the exercise’s progress.
Masereka Benon Dan, Headteacher of Kamaiba Primary School, highlighted a gap in communication. He noted that many parents still lack sufficient sensitization regarding what information is actually required for the registration to take place.
In a bid to boost numbers, local leaders have launched an appeal to the community, emphasizing the long-term benefits of these programs for the children.
Baluku Balam LC III Chairman, Central Division urged parents to embrace the program to ensure the state has national data for better service delivery.
Kairi Zedekia Kambasu deputy Town Clerk, Kasese Municipality reminded parents that this registration simplifies the process of obtaining National ID cards once children reach 18.
The registration exercise is ongoing, and school administrators remain hopeful. Despite the slow start, registrars are optimistic that increased sensitization will lead to an influx of parents and children at schools in the coming weeks.
