Kitgum: Over 500 Buluji Primary School pupils study on bare floors

Buluji Primary School in Lagoro sub-county, Kitgum district is grappling with a severe shortage of desks, leaving more than 500 pupils from Primary One to Primary Seven studying in difficult conditions.

The school, which serves children from several surrounding villages, currently lacks adequate seating facilities, forcing many pupils especially those in lower classes from Primary One to Primary Five to sit on the floor during lessons.

Records from the Lagoro sub-county council indicate that during the 2021/2022 financial year, a budget was allocated for the purchase of 47 desks for the school.

However, the desks have never been delivered to the institution, leaving the learning environment unchanged.

Lagoro sub-county chairperson, Okello Michael, acknowledged the challenge and said the local government is currently constrained financially.

“We are aware of the situation at Buluji Primary School. The sub-county had planned to support the school with 47 desks in the 2021/2022 financial year, but due to financial constraints, the plan was not fully implemented. We are appealing to the district leadership to intervene and support the school so that learners can study in a better environment,” Okello said.

The Kitgum District Education Officer (DEO), Lawot Anthony Lam, also expressed concern over the situation, noting that the district is aware of the infrastructure gaps affecting several schools.

“It is unfortunate that pupils are studying without adequate desks because it affects concentration, writing and overall academic performance. We are working with the district leadership to identify schools with the most urgent needs so that they can be supported as resources become available,” Lam said.

Members of the surrounding community have also raised concern over the learning conditions at the school. Ocen Peterson, a resident of Buluji village, said the lack of desks is discouraging for learners.

“It is painful to see young children sitting on the floor for the whole day while trying to write. Some of them share books on the ground and this affects their learning.

“As parents and community members, we appeal to the district and other well-wishers to support the school with desks,” Ocen said.

One of the teachers who preferred to be anonymous said the situation is most critical among lower primary classes where many pupils are still learning basic writing and reading skills.

“Pupils in Primary One to Primary Five are the most affected. Many of them sit on the floor or squeeze on a few available desks. This makes it difficult for teachers to effectively conduct lessons and supervise learners’ writing,” the teacher explained.

Aber Susan, a resident of the area, warned that the continued shortage of desks could negatively affect pupil participation, hygiene and academic performance if urgent intervention is not made.

Community leaders are now calling on the Kitgum district local government, development partners and well-wishers to support Buluji Primary School with desks to improve the learning environment for the pupils.