Rainstorm displaces over 500 pupils

MBALE - A rainstorm ripped through Watsemba Primary School in Namabasa, Mbale Northern city division on Friday afternoon, destroying a six-classroom block and leaving over 500 pupils stranded. 

The storm, which started around 2:30pm, blew off the roof of the aging structure — built in 1952 — forcing pupils and teachers to scamper for safety mid-lesson. 

With no immediate alternative, the school has resorted to conducting classes under nearby mango trees. 

The school administrators have been forced to send pupils back home whenever it rains. The school has 1,226 pupils. 

The deputy headteacher, Salima Ramathan, expressed concern over the situation. 

“We are stuck. Over 500 pupils in Primary Five, Primary Four and Primary Three have no place to study. We tried putting them under trees, but what happens when it rains again?” 

She said many children are already reluctant to attend school, worsening attendance rates. 

Fred Wesonga, a teacher, recounted the terrifying moment the storm hit. 

Pupils of Watsemba Primary School studying in the open after the rainstorm destroyed their classes. Over 500 pupils have been affected.

“I was teaching when the winds started. I opened the windows so the children could escape because the door was blocked by the wind. Pupils ran in panic, some taking refuge in another classroom block built by a non-governmental organisation,” Wesonga said. 

He said the storm destroyed learning materials and left a few pupils with minor injuries. Fortunately, no lives were lost. 

Appeal for help 

The school’s director of studies, Daniel Buyera, called for immediate assistance, saying: “We need tents, supplies and repairs. Exams are approaching, and we can’t afford to send these children home early.” 

He said many pupils in the area trek long distances and cross risky rivers like Namatala and Nabuyonga to reach school. 

Mbale city senior spokesperson James Kutosi said sh74m that was meant to be used to do works at Namunsi Primary School has been diverted to respond to the emergency at Watsemba Primary School. 

A team of city engineers, led by Eng. Johson Gimuyi and education officials, visited the school to assess the damage.