By Henry Okello
TORORO
Parents of Morukatipe View Primary School in Tororo district on Tuesday, 21st, January ,2024 protested against plans by municipal authorities to demolish the school to pave way for the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project.
They demand that alternative land for the school be secured before any action is taken.
The protests, led by PTA chairperson, Stephen Olele, have intensified as parents reject a proposal to temporarily relocate pupils to Amagoro Primary School, highlighting the long distance especially for young children.
Parents insist on having temporary classrooms set up at a yet-to-be-identified location closer to their homes.
“We can’t accept our school to be demolished before authorities show us alternative land where it will be relocated. It is not very right and acceptable,” Joseph Emoron, one of the parents said.
Adding to the tension is the revelation that over 1.1 billion shillings, allocated for the school’s relocation, has not been utilised.
While municipal authorities report that the UPDF engineering brigade has been contracted at a cost of over 400 million shillings, no land has been secured for the new school.
Government guidelines require a minimum of four acres to establish an aided primary school, yet parents allege no progress has been made in acquiring the necessary land for the school construction.
Tororo Municipal Education Officer, Mrs. Teddy Ajuma Makola, defended the decision to temporarily relocate pupils to Amagoro Primary School, emphasizing the urgency of ensuring uninterrupted learning as the 2025 first term set dates for school reopening draws closer.
“We want to make sure the children finish primary school. Amagoro is safer than placing them in an undeveloped area without proper facilities, which can actually negatively affect their learning,” said Makola.
She urged parents to cooperate, warning that prolonged conflict could affect the pupils’ psychological well-being.
District leaders echoed her call for patience, assuring parents that relocation funds would be used appropriately and promising a new school within a few months.
“This is not just about education; it’s about the future of our children. We cannot allow the school to be demolished without a proper plan in place,” said Jackline Akwii, another concerned parent.
As the SGR project timeline nears, the future of Morukatipe View Primary School hangs in the balance.
