Causes of pupil drop out in primary schools in Uganda

Master's Thesis from the year 2018 in the subject Pedagogy - School System, Educational and School Politics, grade: 3, , language: English, abstract: This study explored the causes of pupil dropout from primary school in Busulani sub county Budadiri East Sironko District. It sought to find out the rates of dropouts, which level of primary school was dropout highest, which causes affected which sex, and the ratios of male dropout to female dropouts. Methods of data collection were questionnaires, interviews and analysis of class registers and statistical returns to Ministry of Education. The findings of the study indicate that there are various causes of dropout. Among them poverty was the highest. Other causes identified were: age of pupils, poor academic performance, employment, teacher pupil relationships, peer pressure and other school related factors such as no provision of lunch and poor structures. From the findings the researcher concluded that the scope and magnitude of primary pupil dropout is not as alarming as portrayed. There was also a lot of manipulation of enrolment figures by headteachers. In short, the figures reflected are not real. Recommendations focus on provision of scholastic materials consistency in school policies, minimization of punishments and a need to do a way with promotional examinations. The study shows that there is need for each of the stakeholders in primary education to play his role.