Date: November 24, 2023
Authorities in Ntoroko District have been compelled to temporarily close six primary schools, leaving over 1,000 students stranded. The closure was necessitated by severe flooding that affected several schools in the region. The affected schools include Masaka, Budiba, Masojo, and Bwizibwera in Butungama sub-county, as well as Kiraga and Haibale in Rwebisengo sub-county. The Ntoroko District Education Officer, Mr. Masereka Mubaraka, has announced that these schools will remain closed until the floodwaters recede.
Mr. Masereka expressed his concerns about the potential closure of other primary schools in the Kanara sub-county, such as Rwangara and Kachwakumu. These institutions are on the verge of submersion as water levels from Lake Albert continue to rise. He emphasized the need for support from the government and development partners to formulate effective plans for the district, ensuring that students can return to school when the new academic year begins.
The closure of these schools comes at a time when schools across the country were expected to conclude the third term on December 1st. Mr. Masereka stated that the district's current plan is to explore the possibility of finding an alternative location where tents can be set up for the affected students to complete their end-of-year exams.
The persistent floods, which have been ongoing since October 2019, have displaced communities in the region. Umoja Primary School, in particular, has been severely affected, with students studying in a makeshift tent provided by UNICEF as the school buildings remain submerged. Mr. Alex Kigenge, the Headteacher of Masojo Primary School, shared that the decision to close the school was made after the completion of Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) when it became evident that the situation was not improving.
Mr. Paul Asiimwe, the Headteacher of Rwangara Primary School, mentioned that the school recently concluded the end-of-third-term exams and subsequently sent all students home due to the imminent threat of floods submerging the entire school.
According to Mr. William Kasoro, the Chairman of Ntoroko District, approximately 15,000 people in five sub-counties, including Butungama, Rwebisengo, Kanara, Bweramule, and Kanara town council, have been displaced by the floods. He emphasized that the district could not afford to wait for casualties, especially among students who commute to school amidst the hazardous conditions.
The closure of these primary schools highlights the urgent need for assistance and support to address the flood situation in Ntoroko District. Efforts should be made to ensure the safety of the affected communities and to facilitate the reopening of schools when the new academic term commences.
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