OVER 300 PUPILS STRANDED AS HAILSTORM DESTORYS SCHOOL BUILDING

HOIMA, UGANDA; Over 300 pupils of Ngemwa Parents School in Nzorobi Parish, Kabaale Sub-county, Hoima District, are still stranded after a severe hailstorm accompanied by strong winds completely destroyed their school. The storm, which occurred during a heavy downpour on Friday evening, demolished the school structures, leaving 12 pupils critically injured, however all have since been discharged from Kabaale Health Center III.

The most affected were the P.3 and P.5 classes, whose classrooms collapsed. In addition to the school's destruction, over ten houses in the area were also demolished, leaving residents without shelter.

The storm also devastated local farms, destroying crops like maize, tobacco, cassava, sweet potatoes, beans, rice, and banana plantations. Farmers now fear widespread famine due to the loss of their crops.

Speaking to Bosco Ochai, the head teacher, described the situation as dire, with no accommodations for the

students or teachers. All scholastic materials, including textbooks, desks, and blackboards, were destroyed in the storm. He says they are stranded with no facilities for conducting lessons

Edward Ageno, a teacher at the school, noted that the storm caused extensive destruction and the school is now unable to provide a learning environment for the students.

“We are totally stranded and confused because of the massive damage which has left us with no facilities to conduct lessons, we call upon government to intervention”

Festo Obua, the area LC1 Chairperson, called on the government to intervene immediately and provide temporary structures so that pupils can continue accessing education. The nearest school is 10km away, a distance too great for most pupils to walk. 

Fred Ogwetha, the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) Chairperson, expressed concern that without swift intervention, many pupils might drop out of school. The community school played a crucial role in providing education to children in the area. 

Joseph Omirambe, a parent, lamented that pupils and teachers are left helpless just as the promotional term has started. He expressed frustration over the lack of response from district leaders. 

Nassan Ahebwa, the Nzorobi Parish Councilor, said they are engaging church leaders to allow the pupils to use their facilities temporarily as they seek assistance from the district. He described the situation as unbearable. 

Hassan Kugonza the Chairperson Kabaale Sub-county LCIII says his office swiftly alerted district education authorities and other leaders but they are yet to respond. Pius Wakabi, the Bugahya County Member of Parliament, expressed regret over the incident and emphasized the need for the government to take over the school to ensure its continuity.