A violent storm on Friday afternoon ripped off the roof of six classrooms at Wazemba Primary School, a government-aided Catholic Church-founded institution in Mbale City, exposing hundreds of learners to heavy rains.
The storm, which struck at around 2:30 p.m., caused chaos as over 400 pupils of Primary Three, Four, and Five—who were in the middle of lessons—scrambled for safety.
According to Harriet Nambozo , a teacher at the school, the storm disrupted afternoon classes and led to minor injuries among some pupils.
“The storm came suddenly, and within minutes, the roof was gone. Children ran in different directions, but thankfully, most escaped unharmed, except for a few who suffered minor bruises,” she said.
Wazemba Primary School, with a student population of 1,216, has struggled with aging infrastructure, as the affected classroom block was built in the 1980s by the Catholic Church.
The damage has raised concerns about the safety of learners and the urgent need for renovations.
Authorities in Mbale City, along with officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, have inspected the school and approved it for renovation.
However, parents and school administrators are calling for swift intervention to restore normal learning conditions.
Beyond the school, reports indicate that the storm also left a trail of destruction in nearby areas, including BCU Quarters, where several houses were unroofed, leaving families stranded. Residents are now appealing for support to recover from the unexpected calamity.