Kabale-Two schools in Bwama Parish, Kitumba Sub County, Kabale District -Bwama Primary School and Lake Bunyonyi Secondary School are in a state of crisis, grappling with deteriorating infrastructure and critical shortages of resources, putting the quality of education and safety of learners and teachers at risk.
At Lake Bunyonyi Secondary School, the learning environment has reportedly deteriorated to alarming levels. “Our school buildings are in a sorry state,” said Nicholas Kajumba, the Head Teacher.
“The classrooms and teachers’ houses are dilapidated, with leaking roofs and crumbling structures. Some are on the verge of collapse.”The situation worsened following a violent storm on March 15, 2025, which destroyed the roofs of staff quarters at both schools. The destruction displaced several teachers, many of whom now commute long distances from rented accommodations.
Isaac Kamukama, Deputy Head Teacher at Lake Bunyonyi Secondary School, revealed that some teachers have been forced into overcrowded and unsafe living conditions. “At the moment, three teachers share a single, dusty, and dilapidated room. It is both unhealthy and unsustainable,” he said.
Bwama Primary School faces its own unique challenges. According to Deputy Headteacher Grace Tumusiime, pupils must cross Lake Bunyonyi every day to access education. “There are few transport options and limited safety measures,” she said. “Many students travel without life jackets, putting their lives at serious risk.”The root of the infrastructure problem dates back decades.
Aron Twinomujuni, the NRM Chairperson for Bwama village, pointed out that the school buildings were constructed in 1955 by missionary Dr. Leonard Sharp and have seen little renovation since. “These structures have cracks in the walls and are no longer safe for learners or staff,” he emphasized.
Efforts to seek government intervention have been met with limited response. Twinomujuni noted that although local leaders informed Ndorwa West MP and Minister of State for Trade, David Bahati, no action has yet been taken. “He promised to help, but we are still waiting,” he said.
However, some glimmers of support have emerged. In 2023, Kyambogo University donated life jackets, exercise books, and other learning materials, while the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) provided a motorboat to assist Bwama Primary School pupils with transportation.
Counsel Eliab Naturinda Mporera, a parliamentary aspirant for Ndorwa West, recently addressed concerned residents, pledging to prioritize education infrastructure if elected. “Our children deserve a safe and conducive learning environment. I will advocate for urgent renovations and improved funding,” he vowed.Despite these occasional interventions, the broader community is calling on the government and other stakeholders to take immediate action before the situation worsens further.
As school leaders, teachers, parents, and pupils endure worsening conditions, the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustainable response remains more critical than ever.
