Masindi learners studying in condemned structures

Masindi: Learners in five schools of Biizi Primary School, Kyema Primary School, Kamurasi Primary School, Nyamigisa Boys Primary School, and Kabalega Primary School within Masindi Municipality are studying in dilapidated and condemned structures, raising concerns over their safety and learning conditions.

Biizi Primary School, located in Biizi Cell, Kikwanana Ward, Nyangahya Division, has an enrollment of 390 learners.

However, six of its classes, from the Nursery Section to Primary Five, are housed in condemned structure. Founded by Catholic missionaries in 1948, the school’s deteriorating main administration block accommodates the head teacher’s office, staff room, and the six affected classrooms.

A source at the school, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the church recently constructed two additional classrooms, which now accommodate Primary Six and Seven learners.

Speaking to this publication on Wednesday, Betty Kyomuhendo, the Secretary for Education at Masindi Municipal Council, confirmed that several schools in the municipality are operating in unsafe structures due to a shortage of adequate classrooms.

She noted that while funds from the central government have been allocated to renovate some of the condemned structures, the process is gradual due to limited resources.

“In this financial year, we will renovate Kyema Primary School. Next financial year, Kamurasi Primary School will follow, and in the subsequent year, we will allocate funds to renovate Biizi Primary School and Nyamigisa Boys Primary School,” Kyomuhendo stated.

She further explained that although the Office of the Prime Minister supplies iron sheets to the municipality almost every financial year, and they receive funds ranging between Shs 100 million and Shs 110 million, the amount is insufficient to construct or renovate all schools at once.

“We are experiencing a growing number of learners in primary schools amid inadequate funds. We appeal for increased funding to the education department to address this crisis,” she added.

Masindi Municipal Mayor Ronald Businge Kyomuhendo echoed the need for more funding to construct additional classroom blocks and renovate existing ones.

“We appeal to the government to increase funding so that we can construct more classroom blocks and renovate others. Most schools are in a poor state, yet the number of learners continues to rise,” he said.

With the growing student population and limited infrastructure, education officials and local leaders urge the government to prioritize funding for school renovations and classroom construction to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for Masindi learners.

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