A severe shortage of classroom infrastructure has left primary schools in Bukwo District struggling to accommodate a growing number of learners, leading to interrupted classes and poor academic performance.
St. Peter’s Primary School in Riwa Town Council, with over 700 pupils, is one of the most affected schools.
The school relies on just one permanent classroom block, with the rest of the classes conducted in semi-permanent structures, exposing students and teachers to harsh weather conditions.
"Each time it rains, we are forced to send children home to protect their lives. Recently, during a heavy downpour, the roof was almost blown off. If that had happened, we could have lost both children and teachers," said James Chemitie, the headteacher of St. Peter’s Primary.
Across Bukwo District, similar issues are plaguing schools. Many operate in makeshift classrooms, which disrupt learning, especially during heavy rains.
The district's inspector of schools, Francis Awami, attributed the crisis to low government funding, which has failed to keep up with the increasing number of students.
"Our schools are struggling. The classrooms are not enough, and many have to use semi-permanent structures. The lack of proper infrastructure is affecting the quality of education," Awami said.
This shortage is not just a logistical problem but has also affected academic performance. Bishop Paul Kiptoo of Sebei Diocese highlighted how children are missing school hours to maintain their learning environment.
"Every Friday, there are no classes because the children have to go looking for cow dung to smear the classrooms. This takes time away from their studies and affects their performance," said Kiptoo.
Former Bukwo Woman MP Evelyn Chelengat added her voice to the growing appeals for government intervention, calling for urgent support to improve learning conditions.
"We are appealing to the government to remember the internally displaced persons’ schools like this one. The number of children is overwhelming. The classrooms are few, and we need more support to create a conducive learning environment," Chelengat said.
With 49 government primary schools across the district, many of which have only one classroom block, the shortage of adequate classrooms continues to hinder efforts to provide quality education to the children of Bukwo.
Local leaders and school officials hope that the government will respond to the growing crisis before it further disrupts education in the district.
