Hundreds of pupils of Amackide primary school in Otuke District are stranded after heavy rains flooded Ongaro swamp which they cross to access their schools.

Amackide is a government-aided primary school located in Ogwete sub-county with an enrolment of 957 pupils. However, by Monday, only 237 pupils made it to school because Ongaro swamp has flooded as a result of heavy rain being received in the area.

The flooding has cut off pupils from the areas of Alutkot, Ogwete and Amyere who have to cross the swamp before reaching the school.

Anthony Abura, the deputy head teacher of the school says the swamp needs a bridge to be installed for pupils to cross over to the school.

Abura says a number of pupils especially those in lower classes have shunned school due to the impassable road.

Anyess Atim, a primary four pupil of Amackide says she did not go to school for the whole of last week for fear of drowning.

Parents of the school say their children have already missed the first week of learning due to poor status of the road. They add that the challenge is not only affecting learners but the general community of Ogwete who cannot access services like health and market.

Beatrice Okello, a resident of Ogwete sub county blames the district officials, alleging that they have "intentionally failed" to work on the road.

Peter Okweda, the area LCIII chairperson who confirmed the challenge says he has reported the matter to the district, which is responsible for that particular road.

When contacted, Francis Abola, the Otuke LCV chairpersons said many roads have been cut off in the district and plans are underway to have culverts installed on some of them to ease the movement of people, especially school-going children, unfortunately, the district does not have enough money to fix all the affected roads.

SOURCE: URN