By Alfred Opio
Pallisa District — Kibale Senior Secondary School in Pallisa District is grappling with a serious shortage of classroom space, forcing some students to attend lessons under trees within the school compound.
School authorities say the problem has persisted for some time and now requires urgent intervention from the government to ensure learners study in a conducive environment.
According to the head teacher, Proscovia Nabulo, the government-aided school currently has an enrollment of 1,147 students, far exceeding the available classroom capacity.
Nabulo explained that despite several efforts by the school administration to seek assistance from the district education authorities, the challenge remains unresolved.
“We have written several letters to the district education department requesting the construction of additional classroom blocks, but we have not yet received a response,” Nabulo said.
She noted that the most affected classes are Senior One, Senior Two, and Senior Three, where the limited classroom space has forced some learners to stand during lessons while others study outside.
According to Nabulo, the situation is particularly difficult during science lessons, which require concentration and adequate space for students to carry out calculations and practical work.
“If this challenge is not addressed in time, it will greatly affect the performance of our learners because the environment is not conducive for effective learning,” she warned.
Some students have also expressed frustration over the situation. One learner, who preferred to remain anonymous, revealed that the lack of classroom space sometimes discourages him from attending school.
“At times I stay away from school because I fear attending lessons while standing due to lack of space in classrooms,” the student said, adding that he may consider transferring to another school if the problem persists.
However, the Pallisa District Education Officer, Ronald Omutujju, acknowledged the challenge and explained that the problem of inadequate infrastructure is not unique to Kibale Secondary School alone.
Omutujju noted that several government-aided schools across the district, including primary schools, are facing similar difficulties due to increasing enrollment and limited infrastructure.
He added that the district education office has already written to the Ministry of Education and Sports seeking intervention.
“We have communicated to the ministry about the issue, and we call upon the school administration and students to remain patient as we wait for guidance and possible support,” Omutujju said.
Education stakeholders in the district are now calling for urgent government support to expand school infrastructure in order to accommodate the growing number of learners and improve learning conditions.
Without swift intervention, leaders warn that the shortage of classrooms could negatively affect both student attendance and academic performance at the school.
