Factors Affecting Primary School Enrolment and Retention of Pupils in Kotido District, Uganda

Abstract

This study investigated factors that affect enrolment and retention of pupils from Primary one until Primary seven and the study was inclined towards an interpretive paradigm. A total of 177 respondents participated in the study and 108(61%) were male while 69(39%) were female. Face to face interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data. The study elicited an understanding of the multifaceted nature of the factors affecting enrolment and retention of pupils in schools in Kotido district, Uganda. Results show that the majority of factors are culture related: pastoral lifestyle, strong cultural values, negative attitude towards education and engagement in domestic work. Other factors included social economic characteristics and environmental factors among others. Future strategies to improve enrolment and retention in schools should be broad based to address Karimojong people’s culture as well as socio-economic characteristics. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n8p423