Ntungamo District has announced 29 infrastructure projects for government primary schools, targeting facilities damaged by heavy rains, inadequate classrooms, and poor sanitation. Funded through grants including the Transitional Development Grant, Education Development Grant (EDEG), Maintenance Grant, and School Facilities Grant, the initiatives will address conditions at schools like Kamunyiga Primary, where a four-classroom block was severely damaged last year, and Rwengoma Primary, where a structurally unsound building has been condemned by district officials. District LC5 Chairperson Samuel Muchunguzi emphasized the need to relocate students from unsafe structures, stating, "The building is condemned and the students shouldn’t be there."
Edson Ahimbisibwe, headteacher of Rwengoma Primary School, described the facility as "near to collapse," urging immediate demolition and reconstruction. Similarly, Kitembe I Primary School faces challenges with mud-built classrooms in disrepair, while Mutanoga Primary School lacks reliable electricity and water. Ntungamo District Education Officer Denis Ntare highlighted funding allocations, including Shs200 million for Nyakasa Primary School under the Transitional Development Grant and Shs180 million from EDEG for classroom construction and sanitation projects. However, Ntare acknowledged that 29 projects across 242 schools represent a "drop in the ocean," calling for increased government support to address systemic infrastructure gaps.
Authorities also raised concerns about children missing school to work in markets, gardens, or water outlets, urging parents to prioritize education. Officials highlighted rising school dropouts and teenage pregnancies among upper-primary girls, stressing the need for parental engagement to retain students. Ntare reiterated the district’s appeal for additional funding, stating, "We plan to work on 29 projects but 29 out of 242 is just a drop in the ocean. So we appeal to government to give us more funding because the schools are many."
The projects, while critical for improving learning environments, underscore the broader challenge of underfunded education infrastructure in the district. With only a fraction of schools receiving support, advocates argue that sustained investment is essential to ensure safe, functional schools for all students. District leaders remain focused on implementing the current initiatives while advocating for expanded resources to meet the full scope of needs.