The Office of the National Chairman (ONC) representative for Bunyangabu District, Roy Rugumayo, has launched a fact-finding exercise in Nyakigumba Town Council to assess the state of government schools under the government’s supervision and monitoring programme.
The exercise aims to establish current realities in public schools, including enrollment trends, dropout rates, and infrastructural needs.
At Busiita Primary School, enrollment declined slightly from 854 pupils at the end of third term 2025 to 846 this term. Head teacher Abigaba Felix said turnout remains low, particularly in lower classes, attributing the trend to the school’s proximity to a busy highway, which discourages parents from enrolling young children.
The school faces a shortage of at least 50 desks, despite having enough classroom space. Pupils currently share desks, with some accommodating up to seven learners. The school also reported one case of teenage pregnancy in 2025 involving a Primary Seven candidate who did not sit her Primary Leaving Examinations.
Abigaba noted that the school’s girls’ changing room is small and in poor condition, while the administrative block is a temporary mud structure. However, he commended parents for supporting the construction of staff quarters that will house four teachers.
At Mothercare Secondary and Vocational School, enrollment stands at 298 students, with each class accommodating between 50 and 70 learners. Director of Studies Charles Mugenyi said the school has recorded steady growth from 46 students in 2021 to over 300 in 2025, largely due to improved leadership and cooperation between teachers and parents.
Despite this progress, Mugenyi cited financial constraints among parents as a major cause of low turnout, with some learners yet to report. He added that at least three students have transferred to other schools.
The school has a functional girls’ changing room but lacks key facilities, including an administration block, staff quarters, a library, and a fully equipped ICT laboratory. Currently, it has only five computers. The school also reported three cases of teenage pregnancy, with two candidates successfully sitting and passing their Senior Four examinations.
At Kisomoro Primary School, enrollment dropped from 614 pupils last year to 600 this term. Senior teacher Twinimugisa James Katusiime attributed the decline to financial challenges faced by parents, as well as transfers to other schools. Five learners officially transferred after obtaining their Learners Identification Numbers.
Unlike Busiita, Kisomoro has adequate desks, with only three pupils sharing each. However, the school faces a shortage of latrine stances, with some facilities collapsed and unusable. It is also understaffed by two teachers.
Meanwhile, Kinoni B Primary School registered a significant drop in enrollment from 418 pupils last year to 355 this term. Head teacher Kisembo Restetuta linked the decline to last year’s teachers’ industrial strike, which led many learners to shift to private schools and not return.
The school lacks a girls’ changing room, though plans are in place to construct one subject to funding availability. Kisembo also appealed for government support to improve sanitation facilities and construct staff housing for teachers who commute long distances.
Rugumayo’s assessment highlights persistent challenges in government schools, including declining enrollment, inadequate infrastructure, and staffing gaps, despite ongoing community efforts to support education.
