This study investigated the influence of parent activities on student retention in selected secondary schools in Bukwo District, Uganda. High school dropout rates in Bukwo District have been a persistent concern, particularly among female students, with the District Education Office reporting annual dropout rates of between 18% and 24% at the secondary level. A descriptive correlational research design was employed, with data collected from 218 respondents comprising students, teachers, school administrators, and parents from six selected secondary schools. Structured questionnaires and focus group discussions were the primary data collection instruments. The study examined three dimensions of parent activities: parental financial support, parental academic involvement, and parental social support. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between all three parent activity dimensions and student retention. Multiple regression analysis indicated that parent activities collectively explained 54.8% of the variance in student retention (R² = 0.548, F = 42.87, p < 0.001). Parental financial support was the strongest predictor of student retention (Beta = 0.341), followed by parental social support (Beta = 0.267) and parental academic involvement (Beta = 0.198). The study concludes that parental engagement is a critical determinant of student retention and recommends strengthening school-parent partnerships, establishing bursary programmes, and conducting parent sensitization campaigns on the value of secondary education.