Teachers at Namataba Church of Uganda Primary School in Mukono District are enduring extreme hardship due to a severe lack of staff accommodation, forcing many to sleep in classrooms after lessons.
With teacher houses collapsing and no alternative housing available, educators are left with few options.
“The buildings were constructed years ago, and now they are falling down. We’re left with no choice,” said one teacher, who requested anonymity.
The school’s head teacher, Emanuel Kalenge, confirmed that at least two teachers’ houses have already collapsed, with others on the verge of doing so.
“Rebuilding is up to the parents, but we’re struggling to keep up,” Kalenge said, highlighting the financial strain on the school and community.
Without proper housing, many teachers must travel long distances to school, often arriving late or exhausted, affecting their ability to teach effectively. Some rent housing outside the school, but the financial burden is significant.
Other government schools in the district, including Ndese and Kasana UMEA, are facing similar crises.
“Teachers often travel long distances, and without proper housing, their ability to teach is compromised. This directly affects the quality of education for our students,” said a principal from one of the affected schools.
While Mukono District Education Officer Rashid Kikomeko declined to comment on the matter, Mukono Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Stephen Muhumuza acknowledged the accommodation gaps in government schools.
“We understand the urgency and hope to prioritize Namataba School in the 2024-2025 fiscal year,” Muhumuza said, adding that the district aims to allocate more resources toward teacher housing.
However, the housing crisis is compounded by a national ban on teacher recruitment, leaving many schools understaffed. Mukono District Chairperson Peter Bakaluba Mukasa has called on the government to lift the recruitment ban and invest in education infrastructure.
“Without adequate staffing and accommodation, schools in Mukono will continue to struggle,” he warned.
Frustration is growing among teachers and parents, who say the lack of government intervention is putting students’ education at risk.
As the new fiscal year approaches, many hope the authorities will act swiftly to address the crisis before it worsens.
