Chawente SS on the Brink: Only 14 Students Enrolled as Locals Demand Return of School Land

By Moi Daniel

Kwania District, Uganda: Chawente Senior Secondary School, one of the seven government-aided secondary schools in Kwania District, is facing a severe enrollment crisis, with only 14 students currently attending. This has sparked outrage among local residents, who are now demanding the return of the land they initially donated for the school, arguing that it is no longer serving its intended purpose.

Local parents and community members, particularly those in the “Kwania Development Forum” WhatsApp group, which includes many stakeholders of the school began voicing their frustrations since Monday. They claim that the school, once seen as a vital tool for educational development in the area, is now on the verge of collapse.

Community members cited 10 key reasons for the school’s decline, including:

The lack of science teachers, the school reportedly has only Arts teachers.

A critical shortage of students.

Apparent inaction by district leaders in addressing these ongoing challenges.

In response to the growing concerns, Kwania District Education Officer, Andrew Omunu, told Unity FM that his office had received formal complaints from parents and promptly dispatched a school inspector to assess the situation on the ground.

According to Omunu, the school currently has 14 students, supported by 11 government-employed teachers and an additional 9 teachers under the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) arrangement. However, he acknowledged that even the Arts teachers have recently ceased teaching in solidarity with a nationwide teachers’ strike demanding salary enhancements.

Another significant issue affecting the school’s operations is the lack of a functioning Board of Governors, which has remained vacant for over six months. Omunu confirmed that the district is taking steps to swear in new board members soon.

In light of the crisis, Omunu has called for an emergency meeting with the school’s headteacher and the District LC5 Chairperson to chart a way forward.

Despite the dire situation, the education officer dismissed claims that Chawente SS has collapsed, stating that classes are still ongoing and that the government continues to provide financial support.

“We have done everything within our means to support education at Chawente. We call on parents to bring their children back so the school can thrive again,” Omunu said.