The alarming increase in student suicides and tragic deaths in schools has prompted Speaker of Parliament Annet Anita Among to urge parents to take a more active role in safeguarding their children’s mental health.
In a heartfelt address, Anita highlighted the need for collective responsibility among parents, teachers, and policymakers to address this growing crisis.
A Growing Crisis in Schools
Anita expressed deep concern over recent incidents, including the drowning of a child in a swimming pool, the murder of a student whose body was discarded in a pit latrine, and the suicide of Elishammah Ssesazi, a Senior Three student at Seeta High School.
These tragedies have underscored the urgent need for action to protect children in educational settings.
The Role of Parents and Teachers
While emphasizing the responsibility of teachers to ensure student safety, Anita also called on parents to play a more proactive role in their children’s emotional well-being.
“Parents must provide counseling and support at home,” she said.
She also warned against giving children excessive amounts of money at a young age, suggesting that this may have contributed to the tragic death of the Seeta High School student, who reportedly took his own life after his father refused to send him Shs2 million.
Related: Seeta High School Senior Three Student Found Hanging
Calls for Justice and Accountability
Jonathan Ebwalu, Member of Parliament for Soroti City West, demanded justice for Joan Apiyo, a 5-year-old pupil who was killed and thrown into a pit latrine at Jozan Nursery School in Soroti District.
Ebwalu questioned the effectiveness of the Inspectorate of Education and urged the Ministry of Education and Sports to establish minimum standards for school operations.
He vowed to pursue Apiyo’s case to its logical conclusion.
A Widening Gap Between Parents, Teachers, and Children
Shadow Minister for Education Joseph Ssewungu (Kalungu West) echoed Anita’s concerns, noting that the growing disconnect between parents, teachers, and children is a key factor contributing to the rise in student suicides.
He called for stronger collaboration to bridge this gap and create a supportive environment for students.
Government Response
State Minister for Higher Education Chrysostom Muyingo assured Parliament that investigations into the murder of Joan Apiyo and other school-related deaths are underway.
He pledged to provide updates and a clear course of action to address these incidents.
Arrests in Soroti Case
In a related development, police in Soroti have arrested two directors of Jozan Nursery School, Joseph Okedi and Suzan Vivian Ariokot, along with the school’s head teacher, James Edoket, in connection with the murder of Joan Faith Apiyo.
Investigations into the case are ongoing.
A Call to Action
The recent tragedies have highlighted the need for a multi-faceted approach to address the mental health and safety of students.
Parents, teachers, and policymakers must work together to create a nurturing environment that prioritizes the well-being of children.
The rise in student suicides is a wake-up call for all stakeholders. Let’s work together to protect our children and ensure their safety and well-being in schools and at home.
