Floods Disrupt Education: Kisoro PLE Candidates Sit Exams in Church
Heavy rains have caused significant disruption in the education sector of Kisoro District, with Chibumba Primary School becoming the latest victim. The school's Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) candidates were forced to take their final papers in a nearby church due to flooding that submerged their classrooms. This is not an isolated incident, as the school's Headteacher, Steven Mfitumukiza, revealed that heavy overnight rains had flooded the entire compound, leaving all five classrooms prepared for the national exams underwater.
The school administration had no choice but to relocate the candidates to Chibumba Church of Uganda Parish, ensuring the exams could proceed under supervision. Mfitumukiza appealed to the Ministry of Education and Sports and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for a permanent solution, as flooding has consistently disrupted school activities during the rainy season. The Deputy Headteacher, Francis Nizeyimana, added that the flooding had destroyed valuable school property, including documents and textbooks, and all other classes would remain closed until the water recedes.
Parents expressed frustration over the recurring floods, fearing that the situation could negatively affect their children's performance. One parent stated, 'The rains have affected our children's education and our gardens. We fear that we may face famine if this continues.'
The Kigezi sub-region, including Kisoro, has been experiencing heavy rainfall this season, leading to widespread flooding and damage to infrastructure and crops. Local leaders have repeatedly called for better drainage systems and long-term environmental management to prevent future disasters. Today marks the final day of the 2025 PLE examinations, but for many learners in flood-hit Kisoro, the experience has been one of resilience and uncertainty.
