Stormy winds destroy classroom blocks in three Kasese schools

KASESE - Heavy rains in Kasese district on March 20, 2025, triggered powerful stormy winds that blew off the roof of a three-classroom block at Kinyamaseke Primary School in Kinyamaseke town council.

This incident adds to the growing number of affected schools, bringing the total to three since the start of the year. The destruction has left hundreds of learners in difficult learning conditions, as many institutions already struggle with dilapidated infrastructure.

At Kinyamaseke Primary School, the damaged classroom block accommodated 400 pupils.

Earlier this year, strong winds also tore off the roof of a classroom block at Ibuga Prison Primary School in Kitswamba subcounty, affecting P4, P5, P6, and the staff room. In February, Kahendero Primary School in Muhokya Town Council suffered similar destruction.

Deforoza Masika, the head teacher of Kinyamaseke Primary School, revealed that the institution has an enrolment of 1,120 pupils. She noted that the destruction has forced teachers to merge multiple classes into a single room, creating significant challenges for both learners and educators.

"Yet we don’t have enough furniture, and learners have been forced to study under the trees," Masika said.

She added that the disruption to learning is severe and called on both governmental and non-governmental organisations to provide temporary tents while the school management and district authorities work on a long-term solution.

John Rugarama, the Kasese district senior education officer in charge of special needs, acknowledged that climate change is posing a serious threat to the education sector.

He stated that although the government is currently renovating 66 primary schools across the district, the funds available are insufficient to cover the approximately 265 government-aided schools that require urgent intervention.

"Most of the schools are Church-founded. In the meantime, they can also put a helping hand rather than leaving everything to the government," Rugarama said.

Kasese LC5 vice chairperson, Girivazio Monday Bwambale, attributed the frequent destruction of school roofs to a lack of trees that could serve as windbreakers.

"This is a lesson that trees are very important. So, plant many around the school, especially those that are drought-resistant," Monday advised.

He added that the district would dispatch a team of engineers and other relevant officials to assess the situation and find a solution to ensure the safety of learners.