NEWS- Bumumulo Primary School in Budadiri East Constituency, Sironko District, is struggling with severe infrastructure challenges, affecting its over 800 pupils and teaching staff.
The school has only one dilapidated latrine, which both teachers and pupils share, and lacks enough classrooms, teachers, and staff quarters..
The dire situation came to light during a visit by Julius Nakiyi, a parliamentary aspirant, who was assessing the conditions affecting residents of Zesui Sub-county as part of his campaign agenda.
Speaking to Bugisu intellectual, Joseph Migala, chairman of the School Management Committee (SMC), revealed that the school’s enrollment has exceeded 800 pupils, yet it lacks toilets and classrooms are in poor condition.
“The biggest challenge is the shortage of space. We have a large number of children but no land for expansion, he appealed to the government to support the construction of classrooms and latrines to create a better learning environment,” Migala said.
The school also faces a serious shortage of teachers. Out of the 16 required, only nine allocated and two have passed away without replacements. “As a community, we hope that if we elect Nakiyi Julius he will lobby the government to address these problems,” Migala added.
Namugowa Benard, a teacher at the school, highlighted the lack of staff quarters. “I walk 12 kilometers every day from Masaba to reach the school you reach when you’re tired and this affects the pupils’ performance.
“The existing classrooms have cracks, and there is fear that they might collapse during heavy rains.” He said.
Emmanuel Masiriwa, a parent with six children at the school, emphasized the need for urgent government intervention.
“The older boys and girls at the school cannot share latrine. This might lead to inappropriate behavior. We believe the coming of Nakiyi is a blessing to this community,” Masiriwa said.
In an interview with Bugisu intellectual forum Mawosa David, the NRM publicity for Busulani sub county and former old boy of the school, expressed shock at the poor conditions.
“The fact that teachers share a latrine with pupils is very dangerous. I urge the people of Zesui Sub-county to trust Nakiyi with their votes so he can lobby the government to build better facilities.” Mawosa noted.
Headteacher Negesa Lydia confirmed that the school has submitted proposals to the district for assistance.
“The district has promised to construct toilets when funds become available. We also need more classrooms and teachers, but I have to wait for the service commission’s recruitment process.” Negesa said.
Nakiyi Julius assured residents that he is already working for them, even before securing a parliamentary seat.
“I have seen the struggles in our schools, poor infrastructure, lack of toilets, classrooms, staff quarters, poor performance, and poor roads. These are issues that just need lobbying. A leader cannot just watch people suffer like this entrust me with your votes you won’t regret,” he stated.
Mukwana Paul, a neighbor told Bugisu intellectual that he already donated land for temporary latrines, pledged to provide more land if the government steps in to build proper structures.
As the campaign period continues, residents in Zesui Sub-county hope that the coming of Julius Nakiyi will address their cries for better education facilities.
