Classrooms Flattened as Powerful Windstorm Strikes Ototong Primary School

16 March 2026, 8:03 am

By Onapa Sammuel

Oyam, Uganda — A powerful windstorm that swept through Abok Sub-county on the evening of March 15 has left Ototong Primary School in ruins, destroying several classrooms and disrupting learning for hundreds of pupils.

The Chairperson of the School Management Committee, Mr. Peter Olule, says the storm struck at around 7:00 pm, tearing off roofs and collapsing classroom structures for Primary Two, Three, and Five. He says the damage has exposed learners to unsafe conditions and forced the school to seek temporary alternatives.For now, pupils are being hosted in Ototong Anglican Church, Ototong Catholic Church, and a single staff room as the community works to salvage iron sheets and timber scattered by the storm.

The LC3 Chairperson of Abok Sub-county, Mr. Phillips Ogile Jakayo, confirmed the destruction, noting that classroom blocks for Primary Four, Five, Six, and part of Primary Seven were also affected. He described the situation as “very unfortunate,” especially with the first term just beginning.Mr. Jakayo is appealing to the District Education Officer, the Chief Administrative Officer, the District Chairman, Mr. Dila Benson, and area legislators. Hon. Dr. Eunice Apio Otuku and Hon. Santa Alum Ogwang to urgently intervene and support the school. Area MP Hon. Dr. Eunice Apio Otuku has expressed sympathy and advised school leaders to compile documents and photographs of the damage.

She says these will be forwarded to the Office of the Prime Minister for possible assistance.Efforts to get a comment from the headmistress, Ms. Christine Anyango, were unsuccessful. She said she was not authorized to speak to the media.At press time, the Acting DEO, Mr. David Adea, said he was still engaged in an improvement meeting.Meanwhile, concerned parents are calling for immediate repairs to ensure pupils return to safe and uninterrupted learning.