Ntungamo Schools Count Losses as Storms Expose Ageing Roofs

Schools in Ntungamo District are counting losses after heavy rains and strong winds damaged classrooms, destroyed computers and disrupted learning, raising concerns about the safety of learners in ageing buildings.

At Kisharuro Model Primary School, a government-aided institution in Nyamunuka Town Council, the danger is evident in the deteriorating roofs of its ageing classroom block.

Established in the 1950s, the school has 308 pupils, some of whom study in buildings whose roofs are increasingly unable to withstand harsh weather.

Last week, strong winds tore off the roof of the Primary Three classroom, which also serves as the school library, and damaged the roof of the Primary Seven classroom.

John Rutahaba, the school’s deputy head teacher, said the roofing timber had deteriorated, leaving the building vulnerable despite its seemingly firm structure.

“The timber is ageing, and the roofing materials are getting old. Almost the whole block is ageing,” Rutahaba said, adding that the roof was in a terrible state.

The school administration has temporarily reattached old iron sheets to timber damaged by termites, but the seven-classroom block remains at risk of further damage. Even sections of the roof that have not been blown off are leaking.

The Catholic Church, the school’s founding body, estimates that more than Shs80 million is needed to replace the roof with a durable structure after years of repeated storm damage.

Kisharuro Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Bruno Tumwesigye said the school had made temporary repairs to allow lessons to continue but remained concerned about the building’s condition.

“We have tried to temporarily fix it for the pupils to continue studying. Anytime we expect something which may not be good. We ask that we get aid if there is any assistance given to us,” Tumwesigye said.

Earlier this month, storms swept across Kajara County, damaging buildings at several other schools.

At Kagamba Secondary School, a government-aided institution, strong winds ripped off the roof of a block housing a classroom, an office, a staffroom and a computer laboratory. Learning materials and school records were also destroyed.

At St Paul’s Vocational School in Kagarama, storms destroyed an administration block that housed more than 20 computers, offices and practical projects prepared by candidates sitting the Uganda Certificate of Education examinations.

The latest damage adds to a growing list of schools affected by storms since last year, including Kamunyiga Primary School, where renovation works have yet to begin.

Ntungamo’s hilly terrain, exposed school buildings and destructive storms have highlighted the vulnerability of education infrastructure across the district.

Authorities have advised schools to plant trees around their compounds to act as windbreaks and reduce the impact of strong winds.

Yasin Katafa Byamukama, the mayor of Nyamunuka Town Council, said the area lacked sufficient trees to help reduce wind speeds.

“In Nyamunuka Town Council, currently we don't have trees to reduce that wind. I am requesting the schools to plant more trees in their compounds. We are also starting a project of having trees along roads to reduce winds,” Byamukama said.

However, tree planting alone may not address the immediate risks posed by deteriorating roofs and ageing school buildings. The damage at Kisharuro, Kagamba and St Paul’s highlights the need for repairs and stronger infrastructure to protect learners, teachers and school property as storms continue to affect the district.