Aruu county MP intervenes in Puranga secondary school staffing crisis

17 June 2026, 13:09

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

Aruu County MP Christopher Komakech has pledged support to address teacher shortages and infrastructure challenges at Puranga Secondary School in Pader District. Students, school administrators, and local leaders highlighted staffing gaps, while the Headteacher called for collaborative efforts to improve learning conditions.

Aruu County Member of Parliament Hon. Christopher Komakech has pledged to support efforts to address staffing and infrastructure challenges at Puranga Secondary School in Pader District following concerns raised by students, teachers, and school administrators.

During a visit to the school on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Hon. Komakech met learners, staff, and local leaders to assess education service delivery and identify solutions to challenges affecting the government-aided institution.

The school, which has an enrolment of about 135 students, has been experiencing teacher shortages and other resource constraints that stakeholders say are affecting learning and service delivery.

Speaking during the visit, Hon. Komakech described the staffing situation as a major concern, particularly the prolonged absence of an English teacher.

“The most pressing issue is the severe shortage of teachers. English is a core subject, and learners cannot be left without it for such a long period,” he said.

The legislator pledged to engage the Ministry of Education and Sports on the deployment of additional teachers and to follow up on infrastructure needs, including the construction of a science laboratory.

He also donated textbooks and teachers’ guides lobbied from the ministry of education to support teaching and learning at the school.

Komagum Ronald, the school Head Boy and a Senior Four student, said learners have been relying on group discussions and past examination papers to bridge learning gaps.

“We try group discussions and past papers, but it is not enough for proper understanding,” he said.

Head Girl Charity Faith Acheng said students have faced challenges accessing adequate support in English and other subjects, while fellow student Obangakene Brian raised concerns about limited ICT facilities and inadequate staffing across departments.

The students also appealed for improvements in infrastructure, including classroom renovation, expansion of electricity, construction of a perimeter fence, improved sanitation facilities, and better access to learning materials.

Following the visit, Puranga Secondary School Headteacher Mr. Kidaga Martine welcomed the intervention by the MP and clarified that the school’s staffing challenges extend beyond one subject area.

According to Mr. Kidaga, the school faces shortages in several disciplines, including Geography, Entrepreneurship, ICT, Literature, and Leb Lango Language, among others.

He explained that some teaching gaps have previously been supported through community initiatives, but the arrangement has become difficult to sustain because of limited financial capacity among parents and guardians.

“We have been engaging the relevant authorities regarding our staffing needs and we remain hopeful that with the support of our leaders and the Ministry of Education, these gaps will be addressed,” he said.

The Headteacher noted that the school is operating with significantly fewer teachers (11) than its approved staffing structure of 35, placing additional pressure on the available staff and affecting service delivery in some subjects.

He also said the school administration has submitted requests for additional teachers through the relevant education channels and maintained records of its correspondence.

He expressed optimism that the recent engagement by leaders and stakeholders would help accelerate solutions to the school’s challenges.

Mr. Kidaga further appreciated Hon. Komakech for donating textbooks and teachers’ guides, describing the support as an important contribution toward improving learning outcomes.

Earlier, Pader District Education Officer Margaret Alanyo expressed concern over the challenges reported at the school, noting that her office had not received formal information regarding the situation from the school administration or the district inspector of schools.

Mr. Obita Bosco, the LCIII chairperson Puranga Town council and one of the school board member, said some challenges, including water supply interruptions, were already being addressed.

He noted that repairs were underway to restore water supply and that measures had been introduced to prevent stray animals from entering the school compound.

Despite the challenges, stakeholders commended learners and teachers for maintaining academic performance and expressed hope that the intervention by the MP, together with support from education authorities, would help improve staffing levels, infrastructure, and the overall learning environment at Puranga Secondary School.