Parents in Riosando, Borabu have been blamed for the low turnout of pupils for the third term after schools reopened recently.
Most classrooms in Riosando Primary School remained half empty with class five recording a turnout of only 12 pupils out of the 35 who are in the class.
Head teacher Evans Philip Ogesa blamed parents for the low turnout and made a special appeal to the provincial administration to crack a whip on errant parents.
He said many children were either compelled to remain home to execute household chores with others subjected to manual work as casual labourers.
“The low turnout is a wake up call for the community and the government. Many parents are holding their children at home and I can substantiate that many of them are working as casual labourers or doing domestic work," he said.
He said the school with an estimated population of 500 students has been receiving as low as 300 children since Monday last week.
“We have tried as management to reach to those still at home but the situation is not improving. Close to 200 students are yet to report. We need help from the government to address the issue,” he added.
Matutu Chief Harrison Ogamba confirmed having received the reports and warned parents against keeping learners at home.
“I have visited the institution and what I saw is unacceptable. Whoever will be found entertaining that will face the law,” he said.
Class five pupils at Riosando primary school. The school has been receiving a low turnout since last week making head teacher to raise the concern to local administration.