ONC Monitoring Exposes Learning Barriers In Some Schools While Others Push For Better Results

By Frank Kamuntu 

The Office of the National Chairman (ONC) has intensified its school monitoring efforts across the country, uncovering critical infrastructure and resource gaps affecting learners in both West Nile and Central Uganda.

During a monitoring visit to Akaba and Akango Primary Schools in Kucwiny and Atego sub-counties in Nebbi District, several pressing challenges were identified as barriers to improved academic performance.

At Akango Primary School, Head Teacher Onegiu Jimmy reported an enrollment of 548 pupils, comprising 285 boys and 263 girls. He attributed the school’s low academic performance to chronic understaffing, inadequate desks, and a shortage of essential scholastic materials such as textbooks.

He further appealed to government authorities to prioritize the construction of additional classrooms and staff quarters, noting that many teachers commute long distances to access the school. Concerns were also raised about delays in the disbursement of government funds, insufficient latrine facilities, and the lack of electricity needed to operate teller machines used for record keeping.

Meanwhile, Akaba Primary School, established in 1936, has an enrollment of 1,292 pupils, with 34 candidates registered for this year’s Primary Leaving Examinations. School administrators reported similar challenges, including poor academic performance partly linked to limited parental involvement. In the previous examination cycle, only seven candidates passed in second grade, while the majority scored in third and U grades.

According to ONC West Nile Regional Coordinator Amia Irene, both institutions continue to grapple with inadequate infrastructure, resource constraints, and declining academic outcomes, calling for urgent intervention to restore performance standards.

In Mukono District, ONC monitoring efforts extended to Kamda Community Secondary School in Mpatta, where Regional Coordinator Mr. Wamala Ssalongo John Baptist was warmly received by Head Teacher Mr. Tamuhidu Ramathan Mazoweya.

The school, which ranked 112th nationally in the 2025 Uganda Certificate of Education results, currently has 546 students in Senior Three and Senior Four, reflecting a commendable academic standing despite significant resource limitations.

However, the visit revealed several urgent needs, including an insufficient number of teachers, inadequate infrastructure, absence of a science laboratory, lack of computers, no access to clean drinking water, and the absence of a school bus. The school also lacks a Kiswahili teacher, despite the subject being compulsory in the national curriculum.

Education stakeholders noted that with its strong leadership and solid academic performance, targeted government and partner support could significantly transform learning conditions and further elevate academic outcomes at the institution.

The ONC monitoring initiative underscores the need for coordinated efforts to bridge infrastructure and staffing gaps, ensuring that learners across Uganda access quality education regardless of location.