Schools across Ntungamo District have reopened for the 2026 academic year, but the start of term has been marked by low learner turnout at several institutions, damaged school infrastructure, and increasing financial strain on parents.
Along roads leading to schools across the district, the reopening of the term was evident even before reaching school gates. Many children were seen carrying brooms, squeezers and other items that have become mandatory school requirements, reflecting the growing cost of reporting back to school.
At Kamunyiga Primary School, a government-aided institution, the first day of the new term began slowly, with only a handful of learners present hours after opening.
By around 9am, pupils who had reported were engaged in cleaning activities, including sweeping classrooms, tidying the compound and arranging desks, as teachers waited for more learners to arrive.
School administrators said between 80 and 150 pupils, including new entrants, were expected to report on the first day, but by mid-morning only about 30 learners had arrived.
The school is also grappling with serious infrastructure challenges. A four-classroom block remains severely damaged after heavy rains last year tore off the roof and weakened the walls.
Months later, no government support has been extended, leaving the school with a shortage of learning space.
“The pupils are still few but we expect more to come. On the first day, we normally expect between 80 and 150 learners, including new entrants,” said Roland Asiimwe, a teacher at Kamunyiga Primary School.
“Last year, heavy rains damaged a four-classroom block, but government has not yet intervened. We are waiting for support to renovate the structure.”
Teachers’ accommodation at the school is also in poor condition, with some houses constructed from mud.
Low learner turnout has been reported at several schools across the district. Educators attribute the slow reporting to parental priorities, noting that many households first focus on taking secondary school students back to school, while primary pupils report later in the week.
“Very few pupils report on the first day because parents prioritise secondary school students, who are older,” said Geoffrey Tumugumye, headteacher of Kamunyiga Primary School.
“Some parents also ask their children to remain home to complete domestic chores.”
Beyond Kamunyiga, the reopening of schools has highlighted the heavy financial burden facing parents in Ntungamo District.
Parents say they are struggling to raise school fees, meet long shopping lists and purchase mandatory items such as hoes, slashers, scholastic materials, brooms, squeezers and other cleaning equipment.
“Taking a child back to school is not easy. We try to pay fees in instalments, but the most worrying part is the list of requirements,” said Ester Muhirwe, a parent. “I first had to look for a hoe before my child could report.”
At Kyamate Secondary School, learner turnout was also below expectations on the first day of term. Out of about 1,000 students expected, only 226 had reported by 10am.
School administrators said financial constraints have affected reporting but noted that learners have been granted days of grace, with full attendance expected by Thursday this week.
