Whenever my work at court allows, I visit schools in Pallisa to talk to children and give them hope. Too many learners in Eastern Uganda drop out of school, and a child who leaves early rarely gets another chance. This year I made two visits to Nalufenya Primary School, one to meet urgent needs and one to prepare the Primary Seven candidates for their PLE.
First visit (14 October 2026): shoes and clothes
The head teacher, Ms. Akurut Alice, welcomed us, flanked by teachers from the different levels, including Mr. Mayanja Umar Nsubuga, who were glad to receive us. The children joined in the excitement. We carried about 120 pairs of shoes, together with close to 100 items of clothing for children without uniforms, and picked out the most vulnerable learners in lower primary, starting with those who were barefoot.
It is hard to accept that currently, children still come to school without shoes. I made a vow that for as long as I serve as a magistrate in Pallisa, I will keep working to end the problem of children going to school barefoot.
Second visit (29 October 2026): the PLE candidates
On my second visit I spoke to this year’s Primary Seven class, 63 candidates preparing for the PLE. I found teachers who badly need encouragement, and pupils who sometimes go a whole day without food. Some are fed by well-wishing organisations, but not all. Teachers once asked parents for UGX 2,000 a term to buy porridge. That practice has since been stopped, and teachers are now afraid to ask for any contribution.
So I made the candidates a promise: during the two days of the PLE, they will be fed every morning so that they sit their papers with full stomachs. I delivered their package on this visit.
I hope this makes a difference and that this year’s results are better than last year’s.
Stay in school
My message to the candidates was simple: do your best in the PLE, then go on to O-level and A-level. Education is how this generation becomes useful to itself and to the nation.
I will keep setting aside part of what I have been blessed with to support the community I serve. I also invite parents, leaders and well-wishers to join in keeping every child in school, shod, fed and hopeful.
Kyembe Karim, Magistrate, Chief Magistrate’s Court of Pallisa
