Namutumba UPE School sees enrollment surge over 2600 despite infrastructure, staffing gaps

Namutumba, (UG):- Bugobi Primary School, a government-aided institution in Namutumba District is grappling with severe infrastructure and staffing challenges amidst a surge in pupils’ enrollment, with the current statistics over 2500 learners.

The schools administration raised this concern during a visit by the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) District Coordinator, Ms. Naigaga Lilian, and Regional Muzzukulu Coordinator, Mr. Muteguya Denis.

The duo, accompanied by the District Education Officer (DEO), Dr. Isiko Mohammed were Friday welcomed by the Headteacher Mr. Kawanguzi Samuel and Deputy Headteacher Mr. Byaba Tadeo, as they visited to asses the school’s progress and existing hardships.

The school Headteacher Mr. Kawanguzi Samuel revealed that they now enroll 2,633 pupils(1,216 boys and 1,417 girls) a clear indicator of growing confidence in the government’s Universal Primary Education (UPE) program.

“We appreciate the government’s support towards free primary education. Parents now see the value of taking their children to school, and this is why our numbers are increasing,” Mr Kawanguzi said, calling upon the Education Ministry and stakeholders to improve on the staff to pupil ratio by recruiting more teachers.

“This teacher shortage is overwhelming. One teacher is handling over 100 pupils in some classes. This affects lesson delivery and individual attention to learners.”

Infrastructure is another major setback highlighted by the school administration. Mr Kawanguzi noted that many pupils in lower classes sit on the floor due to a lack of desks, while classroom blocks require urgent renovations.

Additionally, the school lacks on-site teacher accommodation, making it difficult for staff to stay close to their workstations.

The HM however disclosed that despite the challenges, the school’s academic performance has improved significantly over the years with no failures recorded in the 2024 PLE released last month. The lowest performance level was at the second division, showing a steady rise in education standards.

The DEO, Dr. Isiko Mohammed lauded the NRM government’s dedication to improving education infrastructure and services in Namutumba District. He highlighted several initiatives aimed at strengthening the education sector.

“This financial year, the government has constructed seven new schools, each with two classroom blocks. We have also renovated thirty schools, provided new desks, and increased the number of school inspectors to ensure quality education,” he noted.

Dr. Isiko also commended the ONC team for its efforts in monitoring government programs, ensuring that services reach intended beneficiaries. “The role of ONC in tracking and evaluating government programs is critical in ensuring transparency and accountability,” he said.

ONC officials engage with learners

During the visit, the ONC officials engaged with pupils, encouraging them to remind their parents about their role in supporting education.

The District Coordinator, Ms. Naigaga Lilian emphasized that parents must provide essential scholastic materials. “Education is a shared responsibility. The government has done its part by making school free, but parents must also play their role by providing food, uniforms, and books,” she stated.

The ONC team also appealed to the school administration not to send pupils home for failing to pay the UGX 10,000 porridge fee per term. Mr. Muteguya, the Regional Muzzukulu Coordinator stressed the importance of keeping children in school despite financial struggles.

“We understand the need for a feeding program, but children should not be sent away from school because of this fee. Let’s find alternative ways to ensure they are fed without disrupting their learning,” he urged.

Bugobi Primary School remains a vital educational institution in Namutumba, and with continued government support and ONC’s oversight monitoring, the school has the potential to further improve the learning conditions for its pupils, contributing to the overall development of the Busoga subregion.