Local leaders from Nebbi and Arua districts have petitioned the government to prioritize special finances to support science education in various rural schools in the area.

On Sunday, July 23rd, 2023, the leaders, including legislators from the two districts,  conducted a fundraising drive at Erusi Secondary School in Nebbi District, aiming to facelift the dilapidated existing laboratory at the institution.

Agnes Acibu, the Arua City Woman Member of Parliament, said the current laboratory, despite its appalling status, also lacks vital apparatus.

“There is no apparatus in the laboratory. It is my prayer that the Government of Uganda reaches out to these schools that are in rural settings,” said MP Acibu.

Lilian Paparu, the Nebbi district Woman Member of parliament, said several secondary schools in the region are not only in sorry states but also lacking vital science equipment.

“Our schools in West Nile are not doing well, not because our students are dull. Some of our students touch the laboratory equipment and apparatus during UNEB,” said MP Paparu.

At least Ugx21million out of the required Ugx150million were raised by the old students of the school, members of the community, and other educationists during the drive.

Godfrey Komaketch, the school head teacher, said the drive also aimed at generating funds to acquire modern laboratory equipment.

“The laboratory was constructed in the year 2000 with the help of the development partners, whose project came to an end before its completion. It was never stocked with chemicals and apparatus when the school began using it as a structure in the compound,” said Komakech.

Osbert Okello, the laboratory technician, says the school is now challenged with providing practical lessons to science students due to the current state of the laboratory.