Lango Schools Warn Parents Over Delayed Return of Learners as Third Term Begins
Education officials and school administrators are now calling on parents across Lango to treat the return of learners as a priority and to work closely with schools whenever they face difficulties.
Regina Lalam Olal
By Hillary Opio Omara
LIRA CITY LANGO - School administrators across Lango Sub-region have raised concern over the low turnout of learners as the third term of the 2026 academic year begins.
Despite schools officially reopening on Monday, September 14, 2026, many parents are yet to return their children to school, a situation headteachers warn could affect academic progress.
The term is expected to run until December 5, 2026. Speaking to Radio Q FM, administrators attributed the low attendance to financial challenges faced by families, particularly the rising cost of food and other household needs.
Geoffrey Dilla, Headteacher of Lira Police Primary School, described the situation as worrying, noting that third term is critical for completing the syllabus and preparing learners for the next class.
Dilla urged parents not to keep children at home due to lack of food, but to make every effort to return them to school.
He advised parents struggling to meet school requirements to engage school authorities instead of keeping learners away for long periods.
Wilfred Okabo, Headteacher of Akalo Secondary School in Kole District, echoed the same concern, urging parents to return children to school regardless of challenges and to agree on possible arrangements with school management.
Gilbert Obong, Director of Hill View Secondary School in Lira District, appealed to parents to mobilize whatever resources they can afford, describing third term as a short but very important academic period.
Cosmas Ayo, Director of Ayile Parents Primary School in Kole, said teachers have already started lessons, adding that the situation is particularly concerning in Ayile where many parents are struggling to prioritize education. Charles Okello, Headteacher of Hope Primary School in Kole, said lessons had started well but attendance remains significantly lower than expected.
In Awei Sub-county, Alebtong District, LC3 Chairperson Sam Oyena Obonyo revealed that an assessment conducted on September 14 showed some schools had only about 80 learners.
He urged parents to prioritize education. Similarly, Amolatar District Education Officer Samuel Ogweng said preliminary monitoring revealed low attendance, especially in secondary schools.
He noted that food-related challenges worsened by dry weather have made some parents reluctant to send children back to school, though some schools had recorded better attendance.
