Primary Seven candidates at Chibumba Primary School in Chahafi Town Council, Bufumbira East Constituency, Kisoro District, were on Tuesday forced to sit their Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) in a church after floods submerged their classrooms.
According to the school’s Headteacher, Steven Mfitumukiza, heavy rains that started overnight flooded the entire compound, leaving all five classrooms prepared for the national exams underwater.
He said the school administration was left with no choice but to relocate the candidates to Chibumba Church of Uganda Parish, where exams could proceed under supervision.
“At this point, I appeal to the Ministry of Education and Sports and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to find a permanent solution for us because flooding has consistently disrupted school activities during the rainy season,” Mfitumukiza said.
The Deputy Headteacher, Francis Nizeyimana, said the flooding has destroyed valuable school property, including documents and textbooks. He added that all other classes would remain closed until the water recedes.
Parents expressed frustration over the recurring floods, saying the situation could negatively affect their children’s performance.
“The rains have affected our children’s education and our gardens. We fear that we may face famine if this continues,” one parent said.
The Kigezi sub-region, including Kisoro, is among the areas experiencing heavy rainfall this season, leading to widespread flooding and damage to infrastructure and crops.
Local leaders have repeatedly called for better drainage systems and long-term environmental management to prevent future disasters.
Today marks the final day of the 2025 PLE examinations, but for many learners in flood-hit Kisoro, the experience has been one of resilience and uncertainty.
