In Luwero District, central Uganda, hundreds of pupils under the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program are attending lessons under trees and in nearby churches due to the dire condition of their school buildings.
More than 150 government-aided primary schools are reported to be in a state of severe disrepair, with some classrooms dangerously close to collapsing. Schools most affected include Vvumba, Nakigoza, Kibanyi, Luwero Boys, Kakabala, Namaliga, Kyambogo Mixed, and St Mary’s Ndagga, among others.
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Local authorities say the crumbling infrastructure has pushed teachers and learners to hold lessons in temporary spaces such as tree shades and religious buildings to avoid safety risks.
Erastus Kibirango, the LCV Chairperson for Luwero District, explained that many of the schools were constructed in the 1960s and have not been renovated since, largely due to limited government funding.
In the upcoming 2025/26 financial year, Luwero District plans to construct new classroom blocks in just seven schools and renovate 28 others. The combined cost of these efforts is projected at 3.3 billion Ugandan shillings. However, this leaves more than 100 schools still in need of urgent intervention.
Kibirango acknowledged that in several cases, pupils narrowly escaped injury due to collapsing classroom structures. As an interim measure, community members, parents, and local leaders have launched fundraising initiatives to support the construction of new learning spaces.
At St Mary’s Ndagga Primary School, the situation has become so severe that the local Member of Parliament, Denes Sekabira, has partnered with school administrators to construct two new classroom blocks. The school’s headteacher, Florence Nalumansi, says the current facilities—built in 1972—were never designed for the current enrolment and have since deteriorated.
“The buildings are not only overcrowded but also unsafe. We’ve waited for years for government support without success,” Nalumansi said. She added that most parents are financially unable to contribute to construction costs.
Umar Byantuyo, a Primary Seven pupil at St Mary’s Ndagga, described the daily challenges of learning under trees, including distractions from nearby traffic.
MP Denes Sekabira said he is inundated with requests from schools across his constituency. He called on the central government to increase funding for school infrastructure to safeguard children’s right to education.
Luwero District has a total of 230 government primary schools, with at least 150 in urgent need of either new buildings or renovation. Plans for 2025/26 also include constructing toilet facilities in eight schools at an estimated cost of 224 million Ugandan shillings.
Local leaders say the situation reflects broader challenges facing rural education infrastructure in Uganda and are urging long-term investment to improve learning environments.
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