The leadership of Lwengo district in Uganda has reached out to the opposition leadership in the parliament, seeking assistance to ameliorate the deplorable state of government schools within the district. The Lwengo District Chairperson, Ibrahim Kitatta, has conveyed the district’s plight, emphasizing the dire condition of these schools.
According to Kitatta, the government schools in Lwengo are grappling with various issues, including inadequate classroom structures, a lack of staff quarters, and the absence of essential facilities like latrines and safe water sources. This lamentable situation poses significant health risks to both students and teachers.
Several schools in the district, including Lyakabirizi COPE, Kalagala COPE, Nakateete, Bijaaba, Kyanjovu, and Kyakatuuro primary schools, have been severely affected. At these schools, classes are often held in makeshift structures, making learning impossible during rainy seasons and sweltering sunshine.
Kitatta expressed that the district has tirelessly attempted to improve the situation in these schools, but budget constraints have hindered their efforts. During an oversight tour of the area by the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba, Kitatta shared this predicament.
“We have also notified the Ministry of Education and Sports about the challenging conditions in these schools, but we are yet to see any improvement. We are now looking to this inspection tour by the Leader of Opposition’s office to shed light on the difficulties our people are facing so that our concerns can be considered in government planning processes,” Kitatta explained.
The district has been mobilizing parents and communities to help enhance the learning environment in these schools, but their resources are limited. For example, Lyakabirizi Cope Primary School in Kyazanga Sub-county, which caters to 512 students, has only two classrooms and a five-stance latrine. The lower primary classes share an improvised grass-thatched shelter supported by eucalyptus poles.
Kitatta pointed out that this dire situation affects approximately 26 government primary schools, most of which are located in remote rural areas, making them eligible for special consideration as hard-to-reach facilities.
Mpuuga has pledged to give special attention to these neglected schools, advocating for the government to address their needs promptly, with the aim of improving the overall state of the education sector. He also encouraged the Lwengo district Education Department to petition the Committee on Education and Sports, seeking the support of its members to address the urgent needs of these schools, ultimately benefiting the students and the community.
