Tororo Seed School Struggles to Attract Learners Despite Modern Facilities

What the report says

Nile Post reports that St Joseph Seed Secondary School in Tororo District is struggling with low enrolment two years after opening, even though it has modern buildings and enough teaching staff. The government seed school is one of seven established in the district to expand access to secondary education in underserved communities and reduce the long journeys that can contribute to dropout rates.

According to the report, the school can accommodate more than 1,000 learners but currently has about 200. Beatrice Aketch, the school’s Director of Studies, attributed the slow uptake partly to limited public awareness and reluctance among some parents and community members to enrol children there. She said existing students have been encouraged to help publicise the school and attract more learners.

The school’s main operational gaps are the absence of electricity and piped water. Administrators say this affects teaching and learning, including practical ICT lessons. Nile Post reports that electricity poles are already in place and National Water and Sewerage Corporation works have been completed, but the school has not yet been connected. In the meantime, it relies on generators, which officials say are expensive to run for long periods because of fuel costs.

Tororo District Chairperson John Okea said the district had considered solar power but lacked the funds, while District Education Officer Albert Odoi said authorities are engaging responsible agencies and that the Ministry of Energy has conducted a survey. District leaders are urging parents to use the facility, arguing that low enrolment weakens the return on government investment and affects school funding and staff morale.