Oyam, Uganda – Atipe Primary School is grappling with a severe sanitation crisis as 1,380 pupils are forced to share a limited number of toilets, creating an urgent health and hygiene emergency.
The dire situation was observed during lunchtime, where long queues of pupils struggled to access the few available latrines, raising fears of potential disease outbreaks.
In an exclusive interview, newly appointed headteacher Jimmy Owic expressed deep concern over the worsening conditions at the school.
“This is one of the biggest challenges I have faced as a headteacher, and it is due to the increasing number of pupils. Despite these difficulties, learning is ongoing, but we urgently need support from the government and well-wishers,” Owic pleaded.
The crisis has been further compounded by a shortage of classrooms and inadequate facilities for teachers, making it difficult to maintain a conducive learning environment.
Sam Otia, Chairperson of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), emphasized the immediate need for intervention.
“We have 15 qualified teachers who are ready to teach, but the poor learning conditions are a major obstacle. We need separate toilets for boys and girls, teachers’ facilities, and additional classrooms to accommodate the growing number of pupils,” Otia stated.
Frustrated parents are now questioning whether the Oyam District Local Government is aware of the crisis at Atipe Primary School.
Many are worried that the lack of proper sanitation could expose their children to health risks, including cholera and other hygiene-related diseases.
“We don’t know if the district authorities are aware of what is happening here. If they are, we urge them to take immediate action. Our children’s future is at stake,” one concerned parent lamented.
Efforts to reach the Oyam District LC5 for a response were unsuccessful, as his phone remained unreachable at the time of reporting.
This crisis comes on the heels of Atipe Primary School’s dismal performance in the 2024 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), where it ranked among the worst-performing schools in the district.
With poor academic results and deteriorating conditions, many parents are now considering transferring their children to better-performing schools, including private institutions, in search of a brighter future.
If no action is taken, Atipe risks losing its pupil population, further weakening public education in the district.
The situation at Atipe Primary School requires urgent attention from both government authorities and well-wishers.
The Ministry of Education, Oyam District Local Government, and non-governmental organizations must step in to construct additional sanitation facilities and classrooms.