Kasese Schools Face Severe Disruption as River Nyamwamba Floods

Communities and educational institutions within the Nyamwamba Valley in Kasese District are grappling with severe weather disruptions as heavy seasonal rains swell local waterways. The heavy downpours have increased water volumes across streams originating in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, transforming River Nyamwamba into a hazardous barrier for residents and students alike.

The crisis intensified following the tragic drowning of a Senior Four student from Kilembe Secondary School. The student was swept away while attempting to cross the flooded river on his return from a football match, just days before he was scheduled to sit for his final Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations. Local authorities and school administrators have since urged students and teachers to exercise extreme caution and avoid crossing swollen waters.

Educational activities across the valley have suffered immense setbacks. At Masule Primary School and Kyanzuki Primary School, head teachers report soaring rates of absenteeism and tardiness. Many pupils and teachers arrive late or are forced to return home early out of fear that the temporary wooden bridges will wash away. Furthermore, washed-out infrastructure and blocked access routes have left several schools occasionally unable to open when commuting staff fail to cross the rising currents safely.

Local leaders note that the absence of permanent bridges along key sections of the river continues to compound the danger, as previous structures were repeatedly destroyed by historic floods. In response to the ongoing threats, district education officials have issued advisory guidelines, advising schools to adjust reporting times and ensure teachers actively accompany young learners during evening crossings. Meanwhile, automated solar-powered early warning systems installed along the river valley continue to provide vital hydrological data to help communities anticipate sudden surges.

Read more details in the original report at Daily Monitor.