Kalagala – Zirobwe, Luweero District:
Pupils and teachers of Lunyolya Church of Uganda Primary School in Kalagala Subcounty, Bamunanika Constituency, have made a passionate appeal to government and well-wishers to intervene in addressing the dire conditions under which they study. The school, with an enrolment of over 500 pupils, is grappling with serious infrastructure challenges that have affected both learning and sanitation.
During a recent monitoring visit by the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) team for Luweero Sub-region, led by Wasswa Abdulkarrim Tamale—who also serves as Personal Assistant to the Minister of State for Higher Education, Hon. Dr. John Chrysestom Muyingo—the school administration presented a detailed account of the challenges they face daily.
The Deputy Headteacher, Mr. Nsubuga, who welcomed the ONC delegation, highlighted several critical issues that require urgent government attention.
Key Challenges Identified
Poor sanitation: The entire school community—teachers and pupils—share one toilet, posing serious health and hygiene risks.
- Lack of staff quarters: Teachers travel long distances to school every day due to the absence of accommodation facilities.
- Dilapidated classrooms: Many of the classrooms are in need of major rehabilitation to provide a safe and conducive learning environment.
- Inadequate learning materials: The school lacks enough scholastic materials and teaching aids, which affects the quality of education.
- No kitchen: The school has no proper kitchen, and when it rains, preparing meals becomes impossible, leaving pupils hungry.
Positive Observations
Despite these challenges, the ONC team noted a number of positive developments that reflect the resilience and commitment of both teachers and learners:
- All teachers were present on duty, even amidst the ongoing nationwide industrial action, showing their dedication to the learners.
- The school appreciates government for timely disbursement of the capitation grant, which helps in maintaining basic school operations.
- Parents have continued to cooperate with the school administration to support children’s education.
- Learners have persevered and remained committed to studying, even in an environment that is far from ideal.
Appeal for Support
In light of these challenges, Lunyolya COU Primary School has appealed for support and intervention from:
- H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
- Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, Minister of Education and Sports and First Lady
- The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister of Uganda
- Hon. Dr. John Chrysestom Muyingo, Minister of State for Higher Education and former MP Bamunanika Constituency
- The Ministry of Education and Sports
- The Church of Uganda
- Old Boys and Girls of Lunyolya COU Primary School
- Ugandans in the Diaspora and other well-wishers
ONC’s Commitment
Speaking during the monitoring exercise, ONC Team Leader Wasswa Abdulkarrim Tamale reaffirmed that the government, through ONC, remains committed to ensuring that rural schools are not left behind.
“This visit is part of President Museveni’s directive for leaders to monitor government institutions. We have noted the challenges at Lunyolya COU Primary School, and we shall forward them to the relevant offices for immediate attention,” he said.
Conclusion
Lunyolya COU Primary School stands as a symbol of resilience and hope amidst hardship. While the conditions remain tough, the dedication of teachers, cooperation of parents, and commitment of pupils demonstrate a strong will to learn. The ONC monitoring visit has shone a light on these challenges, and the community now awaits government and stakeholder support to restore dignity and quality learning at this historic rural school.
