Residents in at least 11 parishes across Kitgum district are calling for the establishment of government-aided primary schools, saying the lack of nearby public schools is making it difficult for children in rural communities to access basic education.

The affected parishes include Mura, Lamogi, Akuna, Gule, Melong, Wigweng, Ogwapoke, Central, Jerusalem, Parwec and Pakunu, located in different sub-counties across the district.

For families in these communities, the absence of a government primary school means some children have to walk long distances to reach the nearest school. The situation is particularly challenging for young children and families with limited financial resources.

In Mura parish, resident Onen Charles, says the absence of a nearby government school has become a concern for parents who want their children to attend school regularly.

According to Onen, bringing a government school closer to the community would reduce the distance children travel and make it easier for parents to keep their children in school.

He says some families face additional challenges when children have to travel long distances, particularly during rainy seasons and when households cannot afford alternative transport.

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In Gule parish, Orom sub-county, resident Akot Hellen says access to education remains a major concern for families in the area.

Akot says establishing a government-aided primary school in the parish would give more children an opportunity to attend school without travelling long distances to neighbouring communities.

The concerns raised by residents reflect a wider challenge of unequal access to education in some rural and hard-to-reach communities.

Kitgum district LC5 chairperson Tolit Tonny Blair says the district leadership is aware of the education gap and is engaging the central government to address the problem.

Blair says the district is preparing to petition the government for the establishment of schools in the affected parishes while also following up on the presidential commitment to expand access to education.

“We are looking into petitioning the government to establish primary schools in these parishes in accordance with the government policy. We are also following up on the pledge by the President of the Republic of Uganda to ensure that every parish has a government primary school,” Blair said.

Bringing schools closer to communities

The residents’ demand comes at a time when access to education remains an important concern for rural communities. For parents, having a school within or near their parish can reduce the distance children travel, lower the costs associated with schooling and improve regular attendance.

Long distances can also discourage younger children from attending school consistently, while some parents may opt to keep children at home when they cannot afford transport or other related costs.

However, community members and district leaders acknowledge that establishing a school is only the first step. New schools also require adequate classrooms, qualified teachers, desks, learning materials, sanitation facilities, safe water and other essential infrastructure.

Without these facilities, increasing the number of schools may not automatically translate into improved learning outcomes. The government has in recent years emphasised the need to prioritise underserved and unserved communities when expanding education infrastructure.

Community-initiated schools have also played a role in providing education in remote areas. Where such schools meet the required standards and are formally recognised, they may become eligible for government support, including teacher deployment and capitation grants, subject to applicable requirements.

For residents such as Onen Charles and Akot Hellen, however, the immediate concern is simple: children need schools that are accessible from their homes. Parents argue that children should not be disadvantaged simply because they live in a parish without a government-aided primary school.

As Kitgum district prepares to engage the central government, communities in the 11 affected parishes are hoping their concerns will translate into concrete action.

The establishment of government primary schools would not only bring education closer to children but could also contribute to increased enrolment, reduced absenteeism and lower school dropout rates.

For Mura, Gule and the other underserved parishes, residents say a government school would represent an investment in the future of their children and the wider community.