Mbale City – Pupils of Wastesmba Primary School were forced to study under trees on Monday after a devastating storm over the weekend ripped off rooftops from six classroom blocks, leaving the structures unsafe and exposed to ongoing rains.
The storm, which struck on Saturday, left the school in ruins, with iron sheets scattered and classrooms open to the elements. When pupils reported back to school on Monday morning, they were met with the shocking reality of having no proper classrooms. By 7 a.m., teachers directed them to gather under trees, where makeshift lessons began with a prayer of gratitude for their safety.
Pupils Struggle in Harsh Conditions.
For many learners, the open-air "classrooms" presented severe challenges. Salima and Job, two of the affected pupils, shared their distress. “The weather is too cold, and we feel unwell,” Salima said. Barefoot pupils, forced to stand in mud, complained of numbness and said they might skip afternoon lessons due to the discomfort.
Teachers Grapple with Low Attendance and Distractions
Mr. Wesonga Fred, a Primary Five science teacher, reported that only 80 out of 165 pupils in his class attended, with many staying home fearing the harsh conditions. “Parents are hesitant to send their children,” he said.
Madam Okota Lyoce, another teacher, highlighted the difficulty of maintaining concentration. “Pupils are easily distracted by passersby and the environment. We urgently need tents, desks, and blackboards to create a proper learning space before the rains worsen,” she appealed.
PTA Chairperson Warns Against Keeping Children Home
The school’s Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) Chairperson, Gimono Rose, condemned parents who have withdrawn their children, using them for farm work instead. “Even in this situation, learning must continue. I will call an emergency parents’ meeting to find solutions,” she said.
Headteacher Calls for Urgent Government Intervention
Mrs. Nabonzo Harriet, the school’s headteacher, described the incident as a major setback, with 426 pupils now displaced. “Studying under trees cannot be sustained, especially during this rainy season. We have written to the Mbale City Education Office, but we need immediate help,” she said.
With only two weeks left before exams, the school community is in a race against time to restore normalcy. Authorities are yet to respond, leaving pupils and teachers in a desperate situation.
Efforts to reach Mbale City education officials for comment were unsuccessful by the time of publication.
