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KALUNGU - The rising water levels of Lake Victoria are threatening the existence of Kamuwunga Primary School, a UPE school in Lwera, Lukaya Town Council, Kalungu district. 

According to Sylvia Nakanwagi, the Kalungu district education officer, the situation forced the closure of the school, affecting over 500 learners who have been sent back home before the end of the term due to an unprecedented rate of flooding in the school compound.

She said that even the floors of the classrooms are severely soaked with water, posing a threat to the entire stability of the structures. 

Nakanwagi also expressed concern that the flooding has also affected the school latrines, leaving them unusable.

She added that there was a fear that the students and teachers may resort to open defecation, which increases the risk of waterborne diseases and stated that her office has raised the issue to the Chief Administration Officer and is still awaiting for a response.

John Mutagubya, the chairperson of the school management committee board, added that the floods are caused by the heavy seasonal rains, leading to the overflow of water beyond the Lake Victoria boundaries.

He appealed to the Ministry of Education and Sports to directly intervene and address the situation.