Mitooma Primary School Defies Odds to Excel Amidst Infrastructure Challenges

 By Anthony Kushaba

Mitooma Primary School, located in Kyabakonjo Parish, Ruhaama East Sub- County, continues to shine academically despite struggling with inadequate facilities and staffing constraints. As one of the many schools under Uganda’s Universal Primary Education (UPE) program, Mitooma has defied the odds to maintain a commendable performance record over the years.

The school's recent academic achievements underscore its resilience. In 2020, out of 73 candidates, 11 passed in Division One, 53 in Division Two, four in Division Three, two in Division Four, and one in Division X. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no candidates sat for Primary Seven exams in 2021. However, in 2022, the school registered a remarkable performance with 54 of its 70 candidates passing in Division One and 16 in Division Two. The trend continued in 2023, with 93 candidates sitting for exams; seven passed in Division One, 77 in Division Two, five in Division Three, and three in Division Four. In 2024, the school further improved, registering 102 candidates, with 14 passing in Division One, 84 in Division Two, and four in Division Three.

Despite this academic success, the school still faces a serious challenge of inadequate infrastructure. Head teacher Elsam Tumuramye highlighted that while the school currently has an enrollment of 777 pupils, only five teachers are on the government payroll, with an additional 14 being supported by the Parents Teachers Association (PTA). He commended the parents for their unwavering support in funding extra costs to keep the school running.

“We are working closely with parents to put up some structures while also engaging the government for additional support,” Tumuramye stated.

Local leaders have also stepped in to supplement government efforts. Ruhaama East Sub- County district councilor, Asasibwe Ainea, acknowledged the school's challenges in infrastructure and furniture but assured that district leaders, including the district chairperson, are actively seeking solutions. “We have engaged the district leadership, and the chairperson has pledged support to improve conditions at the school,” Ainea noted.

The area Local Council III chairperson, Francis Twesigye, hailed Mitooma Primary School as a model institution, attributing its consistent performance to the collaborative spirit among all stakeholders. “We have been encouraging other public schools in the area to learn from Mitooma Primary School’s approach to improving performance,” Twesigye said.

Ntungamo District Chairperson, Samuel Muchunguzi Rwakigooba, emphasized that the school’s performance is a testament to the power of partnerships between parents and the government. He revealed that the district is in the process of recruiting more teachers to address staffing shortages and is also working towards resolving the furniture crisis.

Muchunguzi adds that Mitooma Primary School’s journey is an inspiring story of resilience, community effort, and a commitment to education adding that continued support from the government and local stakeholders, the school is poised to reach even greater heights.