Uganda, Feb. 6 -- Many schools in the countryside reported fewer learners as they opened their gates for the first academic term on February 5.

A countrywide survey by this publication revealed that some public schools reported zero attendance on Day One.

It is not yet clear if the no-show is a result of school fees or any natural factor like rain witnessed in some parts of the country like Masaka ,Kyotera ,Lwengo and Rakai in the morning on February 5.

At Namthin Primary School, Nebbi Municipality, classes remained empty as learners were absent.

The head teacher, Mr David Iwupat Okech, said even the few pupils that reported on the official reopening day returned back home at around 10am.

At Arocha Primary School, Agulu Division in A...