The majority of learners have shunned classes at Kigoro primary school in Rukoki Sub County in Kasese district following last week’s mudslides that hit Kasika trading center and killed 15 people.
Four of the victims were pupils at Kigoro primary school, which is less than 50 meters away from Kasika trading center. School authorities say that only a few learners have since shown up for classes. According to the administrators, both the learners and their parents have expressed fear of fresh mudslides.
Zaverio Mugisa, the Deputy headteacher of Kigoro Primary school told URN on Tuesday that only 269 out of the 589 who were present before Wednesday last week have since returned for studies.
Zaverio says that teachers resumed classes by providing psychological support, especially for learners in lower classes. He encouraged local leaders to support the school in mobilizing children to return to school.
Herman Kule, a parent in Kasika says that even children who are still in school are uncertain of the situation especially since the area is still experiencing heavy rainfall. Kule wants leaders in the district to mobilize and assure parents and learners of their safety.
Wilfred Bwambale, a primary four pupil told URN that he lost all his items including books when their family house was hit by the mudslides and added that if he can get any form of support he would undoubtedly return to class. He asks the government to assist pupils like him to return to school.
“…am here building a house to sleep in, all my books were destroyed by mud, I even don’t have 500 shillings to buy soap,” Bwambale said. Ritah Ithungu, a primary seven pupil who was found at the school, said most of her friends intimated to her that they still fear stepping into the school where dead bodies were laid for examination.
Joseph Wandera from SOS children village, says that the organization is carrying out a rapid assessment to see how they can mobilize resources to help the affected children.
