Jinja: The ongoing agricultural exhibition in Jinja, which was primarily intended as an educational platform for students, has taken an unexpected turn with the introduction of dance exhibitions. During the evening hours, when schools were supposed to organize their return, students were hesitant to leave due to the captivating music. According to school heads, some students even attempted to hide from their teachers, causing concern among the educational authorities.
One teacher from Iganga Municipal School, who preferred to remain anonymous for fear of repercussions, revealed that two students were missing after the dance session. When approached by our reporter, the teacher gestured to remain silent, indicating the potential risk involved in disclosing further information.
During the dance performances, many individuals were seen mingling with the students, making it difficult for teachers to distinguish between students and outsiders. In an attempt to regain control, teachers had to request the DJ/MC to temporarily stop the music so they could locate their students. The MC’s announcement echoed, “Please, that’s enough. Go back to where you came from. Your teachers are waiting for you.” However, the impact of the message was diluted by the festive atmosphere.
A police officer named Nsubuga, who was on duty at the exhibition, encountered a group of five girls in uniform who were in the process of changing into casual attire, disguising themselves as non-students. “I recognized them from their uniforms, as I had seen them before with their teachers. I immediately instructed them to quickly put on their uniforms,” Nsubuga explained. It seems that many students bring bags to the showground, assuming they contain food. However, the bags actually contain regular clothing for changing outfits once inside the venue.
Within the dancing areas, it became challenging to identify students as they were surrounded by Guinness promoters or individuals engaging in provocative dance moves. This unfortunate turn of events sheds light on the increasing incidence of teenage pregnancies within schools.
In response to the situation, some schools decided to vacate the exhibition grounds, leaving their students behind. The unexpected dance exhibition has raised concerns among educators and authorities, emphasizing the need for proper supervision and guidance during such events to ensure the safety and well-being of students.
As the agricultural exhibition continues, it is hoped that measures will be implemented to strike a balance between educational engagement and maintaining appropriate decorum for the student attendees.
