Parajwoki Primary School, one of Hoima’s oldest government-aided schools, is in a state of severe disrepair, with authorities warning that its collapsing structures pose a danger to pupils and teachers.
Built in 1928 by the Catholic Church, the school has never undergone significant renovation.
The eight-classroom block has developed deep cracks, with broken windows, missing doors, and iron sheets blown off, leaving classrooms exposed to the elements.
City education officer Johnson Kusima Baingana said they have written to the Ministry of Education twice—once in 2022 and again in 2023—seeking funds for renovation, but they have received no response.
"We need over Shs 300 million to renovate the school," Baingana said.
"The city receives only Shs 200 million annually for school maintenance and renovation. We can't commit all of it to one school when many others are also in critical condition. We have written to the ministry, but with no response, what do we do?"
The school, located five kilometers from Hoima along the Kampala road, has an enrollment of 450 pupils.
Teacher Stella Baganyira said the situation is so dire that lessons sometimes take place outside.
"When it’s windy, we have to teach from outside. If it threatens to rain, we send the children home for their safety," Baganyira said.
Residents and former students have expressed frustration over the lack of action. Ismail Kyamanywa, 64, an alumnus of the school, said he has witnessed its decline for decades.
"I studied here. I grew up seeing the same buildings. Not a single renovation has been done. Why?" Kyamanywa asked.
Hoima City Woman MP Asinansi Nyakato criticized the city’s education department, questioning why it has not prioritized urgent renovations.
"We can’t expect good grades when pupils are studying in such conditions. A school in this state within a city is shameful," Nyakato said.
Despite the repeated appeals, the school remains in ruins, with no clear indication of when—or if—the government will step in.