Top Katakwi school runs out of room for its learners

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Angodingod Primary School in Katakwi district is grappling with a critical shortage of classrooms following a sharp rise in pupil enrolment.

With a total population of 1,954 learners, the school currently operates with only 13 classroom blocks, five of which are temporary and in poor condition.

According to Moses Etengu, the director of studies, each classroom accommodates more than 200 pupils, forcing some classes to be conducted under trees. This, he said, poses a significant risk to both learners and teachers, especially during the rainy season. Some of the existing classrooms have also been converted into makeshift dormitories for boys and girls in upper primary.

Angodingod Primary School in Katakwi district is grappling with a critical shortage of classrooms following a sharp rise in pupil enrolment. (Photo by Leah Lyolu)

Speaking to some of the learners, Primary Seven pupil Vicky Acen said, "Six of us share one desk, and when it rains, our books get damaged by rainwater. We're overcrowded; we don't have breathing space in class. We only pray for the bell to ring for us to run outside for fresh air."

Another pupil, William Etukot, expressed similar frustrations. "It's a hard time for me to be in class, especially during the time of copying notes. There's no space to position my hand for better handwriting. When it rains, our books get damaged with rainwater because the classroom is temporary and open."

Primary Seven science teacher Simon Peter Malinga highlighted the impact of congestion on teaching. "Sometimes I mistakenly step on pupils' legs while monitoring their work during lessons because of a lack of space," he said, adding that group discussions and personalised attention are nearly impossible in such a crowded environment.

In addition to infrastructure challenges, the school faces a severe water shortage. Learners must walk up to five kilometres daily to fetch water from the nearest community borehole.

Head teacher Julius Okwaput said the school has made efforts to alleviate the classroom crisis by constructing five temporary structures, but these are far from adequate. "We've done a lot to improve the school, spending over 10 million shillings on five temporary structures. Government should now take over," he said.

Despite these hurdles, the school has consistently performed well in the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), which has contributed to the growing enrolment. In 2023, Angodingod Primary School was the best-performing school in the district with 28 first grades. In 2024, it ranked second with 38 first grades.

School faces a severe water shortage. Learners must walk up to five kilometres daily to fetch water from the nearest community borehole. (Photo by Leah Lyolu)

Stanley Odeke, chairperson of the parents-teachers association, and Richard Okiror, chairperson of the school management committee, acknowledged that while parents continue to contribute PTA fees to support development, the burden has become overwhelming.

Meanwhile, parent Samuel Opus appealed for urgent government intervention to address the school’s growing challenges.

Katakwi district inspector of schools, Daniel Alileng, confirmed that the school’s situation has been brought to the district’s attention. "I have written to the district to prioritise building more classrooms for the school in this financial year," he said.

Katakwi LC5 chairperson, Geoffrey Omolo, admitted that the district is constrained by limited resources. He noted that only one classroom block can be constructed in a school per financial year.