Kisoro, Uganda – Parents at Ngezi Primary School in Nyakinama Subcounty, Kisoro District are raising concerns over the dilapidated state of the school’s toilets, fearing the spread of diseases among pupils and the surrounding community.
Established in 1956 as an Anglican church school, Ngezi Primary School became government-aided in 2000. It currently has an enrollment of 303 pupils.
However, the construction of toilets has remained a persistent challenge due to the rocky terrain, which causes newly built latrines to deteriorate quickly.
The current facilities, in use for the past 15 years, are now in a severely degraded state, prompting serious concern among parents.
Parents Edward Wegihugu Salongo and Nsangira Robert voiced their fears, saying the poor sanitation puts teachers, learners, and the nearby community at risk of diseases such as cholera and dysentery. They added that the school’s rocky ground makes both construction and maintenance of sanitation facilities extremely difficult.
The school’s headteacher, Alfred Nkurunziza, confirmed that the number of toilets is insufficient for the current student population. He also cited challenges including limited staffing and a shortage of essential scholastic materials such as textbooks. He appealed to the government for urgent intervention.
Meanwhile, Amos Ngayabaseka, Chairperson of the School Management Committee, and Emmanuel Zirimo, Chairperson of the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA), expressed disappointment in the government’s continued neglect of the school’s pressing needs.
They called on parents to unite and work together to improve sanitation, health, and hygiene conditions at the school.
