The Mukono District is facing a severe crisis as teachers in government-aided schools are forced to conduct lessons under trees due to the dilapidated state of school infrastructure. The situation has worsened to the point where some teachers have abandoned their posts, fearing for their safety as buildings collapse. District leaders are now calling for urgent government intervention to address the issue.
Namataba Church of Uganda Primary School: A Case Study
At Namataba Church of Uganda Primary School, the situation is particularly dire. Two staff quarters recently collapsed, forcing teachers to vacate the premises. The school’s headteacher, Emmanuel Kalenge, explained that the buildings were old and poorly maintained, making them unsafe for occupation.
“The staff quarters were built many years ago and have not been renovated. When they collapsed, we had no choice but to ask the teachers to leave for their safety,” Kalenge said.
The school’s classrooms are also in poor condition, with some structures resembling war-torn buildings. This has led to a decline in student attendance, as parents fear for their children’s safety.
Other Affected Schools
The crisis is not limited to Namataba Primary School. Other schools in the district, including Ndese Primary School, Kasana UMEA Primary School, and several others, are facing similar challenges. Teachers and students are forced to hold lessons in makeshift structures or under trees, significantly disrupting the learning process.
School administrators have expressed concern over the impact of the poor infrastructure on education quality. They have appealed to the government to intervene and provide funds for renovations and new constructions.
District Leaders Call for Action
Rashid Kikomeka, the District Education Officer for Mukono, acknowledged the problem and assured stakeholders that the district is working to address it. He revealed that Namataba Primary School has been prioritized for renovation in the 2024-2025 financial year.
Stephen Muhumuza, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Mukono, confirmed that the district has conducted inspections of the affected schools. He expressed hope that the situation will improve once the planned renovations begin.
Government Urged to Prioritize Education
Rev. Dr. Peter Bakaluba Mukasa, the District Chairperson of Mukono, called on the government to allocate more funds to school infrastructure and address the shortage of teachers in the district. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan to recruit and retain qualified teachers.
“We need the government to invest in school infrastructure and ensure that we have enough teachers to meet the growing demand for education,” Rev. Dr. Mukasa said.
Parents Encouraged to Contribute
The Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Mukono appealed to parents to take an active role in maintaining school infrastructure. He urged them to contribute financially to renovation projects and ensure that their children have a safe and conducive learning environment.
“Parents must take responsibility for the upkeep of school buildings. By working together, we can create a better future for our children,” the Deputy RDC said.
Conclusion
The deteriorating state of school infrastructure in Mukono District is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. As teachers and students struggle to cope with the challenges, stakeholders are calling for a collaborative effort to address the crisis and ensure that every child has access to quality education in a safe environment.
