Rukungiri school cries out to govt, well-wishers for clean water and better toilets

Rukungiri, (UG):- Kahengye Primary School, a government-funded institution in Eastern Ward, Kebisoni Town Council, Rukungiri District, has made an urgent appeal to well-wishers for support in improving access to clean water and sanitation facilities.

The call for assistance was made during a Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) meeting held at the school, where concerns were raised about the poor infrastructure that continues to affect the learning environment.

During a monitoring visit by the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) Regional Coordinator for Kigezi, Mr Akampa Rugaba Tanbull joined parents and teachers in discussing the key challenges hindering the school’s performance.

The Church of Uganda-founded institution, located just two kilometres off the Ntungamo-Rukungiri Road, has seen a rapid increase in enrollment, growing from 87 pupils last year to 220 this year. But despite this positive development, the school struggles with severe infrastructure deficits, including a lack of clean water, inadequate sanitation facilities, and classrooms that require urgent renovation.

Teachers at the school noted that the absence of clean water forces pupils to walk long distances in search of it, disrupting their learning. “We are doing our best as teachers to ensure children get the education they deserve, but the lack of clean water and sanitation facilities makes it difficult,” said one of the teachers during the meeting.

Last year, Kahengye Primary School had six candidates sitting for the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE). Four passed in first grade, while two attained second grade. The school hopes to continue improving academic performance, but the lack of essential facilities threatens this progress.

But the lack of proper toilet facilities, they say, also poses serious health risks, while the absence of a power source makes it difficult for both teachers and pupils to engage in early morning and evening study sessions.

“The classrooms are in dire need of repair, with some lacking proper cement flooring, making it uncomfortable for pupils to learn in a dust-free environment,” noted one concerned parent at the meeting.

Mpirirwe Jackline, the District Inspector of Schools, urged parents to play a more active role in supporting their children’s education by ensuring they have the necessary materials and food while at school. “Parents must ensure their children have the necessary school materials and also pack food for them. A hungry child cannot concentrate in class,” she advised.

The school administration, alongside parents and local leaders, is now appealing to government agencies, NGOs, and well-wishers to step in and help create a better learning environment.

The headteacher expressed optimism that with external support, the school could provide safer and healthier conditions for the growing number of pupils.