The authorities in Katakwi district have revealed that they are lagging behind in the education department due to the limited number of teachers to fit the teacher to pupil ratio in the district, which has currently affected learning across learning centres causing poor performance compared to other districts and regions.

The learning materials for Information Computer Technology are scars especially in primary level we have doted computers and worse ICT teachers are few authorities said they affected by lack of ICT equipment in the education institutions causing less competition with other regions.

According to the Chief Administrative Officer Katakwi, Patrick Olila, the district is short of over 400 teachers across the 84 schools in the district that sometimes could be helping learners research and other activities in the new curriculum which is calling for research as one key aspect of learning to participate in schools.

Olila however, confirmed that the district will start recruitment of teachers this financial year though the recent recruitment flopped due to administrative issues.

According to him, the teacher to pupil ratio is approximately 1:100; However, Olila said that, if recruitment is done, the issue of teacher to pupil ratio will be solved to be 1:40.

The CAO said they are committed to monitoring the performance of schools and ensuring that learners get meals at school to improve on performance in Katakwi to compete with Kampala schools.

Geoffrey Omolo the district LCV Katakwi said the under funding to lower local government is a major problem affecting the district. He added that the wage bill where the ministry of public service barred recruitment of new employees to civil services hampers.

But Omolo has challenged parents and guardians to play their part in educating children as the government takes other responsibility of providing  social services.

Rtd Maj Godfrey Katamba the RDC Katakwi confirmed that most schools lack ICT teachers and materials to be used, he cited Okokorio primary school having an over whelming enrollment of 1,600 pupils but only one ICT teacher is available with one set of ICT or computer component.

Most primary schools in the district do not have ICT equipment’s such as computers harness on internet causing learners to lag behind.

Aisu Evelyn, 14 years a pupil of Apuuton primary school, said there is need to introduce computer lessons ICT in primary schools. Aisu says it’s hard for them to access computers as primary learners.

Rich people, sugar daddies use smart phones to lure us young girls, “I may blame the ministry of Education for putting in the primary curriculum the use of phones, computers and laptops but ignoring the foundation that’s primary level”

Aisu noted that during the Covid 19 lock down children in urban continued to learn with computers on line while the rural suffered learning with inadequate learning materials and listening on radio .why not to bring the computers for us to touch or click.