Pupils abandon school as main classroom block 'nears collapse'

The learners and their teachers say the classroom block is threatening to collapse and that they fear this could happen this rainy season.

NAKAPIRIPIRIT | Pupils of Tokora Primary School in Nakapiripirit District have abandon school for fear of their lives.

The learners and their teachers say the classroom block is threatening to collapse and that they fear this could happen this rainy season.

"We can no longer ignore the imminent danger posed by the deteriorating condition of the classroom block," Anne Ruth Atino, the head teacher, said.

"The safety of our pupils is paramount, and it's heartbreaking to see them forced to abandon their studies due to fear of the building collapsing."

The main classroom block houses Primary One to Primary Three pupils. It was constructed during President Idi Amin’s regime but it is now riddled with gaping holes and scary cracks.

Repeated appeals for assistance from local authorities have thus far gone unanswered, leaving teachers and pupils feeling abandoned and vulnerable.

“We have made several efforts to draw attention from authorities about the urgent need for repairs, but no one has shown interest in addressing the structural deficiencies of this building,” Ouma Sombi, a teacher at Tokora Primary School, said.

"We urgently need support and intervention to ensure the safety of our pupils."

In the absence of timely intervention, the future of education at Tokora Primary School hangs in the balance.

There is urgent need for development partners and the government to intervene.