Heavy rains which caused the flooding of Ongaro swamp in Otuke District have left hundreds of pupils of Amackide primary school stranded after fearing to cross the road to access their school.
Located in Ogwete sub-county, Amackide is a government-aided primary school 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.
According to Anthony Abura the deputy head teacher of the school, the swamp needs a bridge to be installed for pupils to cross over to the school.
According to him, a number of pupils especially those in lower classes have shunned school due to the impassable road.
Parents of the school say their children have already missed the first week of learning due to poor status of the road and that the challenge is not only affecting learners but the general community of Ogwete who cannot access services like health and market.
Peter Okweda, the area LCIII chairperson says he has reported the matter to the district, which is responsible for that particular road.
Many roads have been cut off in the district and plans are underway to have culverts installed according to Francis Abola, the Otuke LCV chairperson.
He however, adds that unfortunately, the district does not have enough money to fix all the affected roads.