Residents of Amagoro ‘A’ village in eastern Uganda’s Tororo Municipality are celebrating the imminent reopening of Morukatipe View Primary School, years after the government-aided facility was demolished to make way for the Standard Gauge Railway.
The school, which had served more than 800 learners, was pulled down and relocated following compensation linked to the railway project, leaving pupils scattered across neighbouring schools after authorities failed to secure temporary classroom space.
Now nearing completion, the rebuilt school is expected to open for the 2026 academic year, offering renewed access to education in the peri-urban area of Tororo Municipal Council.
‘The project is about 80 percent complete,’ Tororo Municipality deputy town clerk Okoth Kitong said, adding that commissioning is expected in early February 2026, ahead of the new school term starting on February 10.
Construction is being undertaken by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineering Brigade at a cost of 415 million shillings ($110,000), according to municipal officials.
The project includes a three-classroom block housing seven classrooms and a head teacher’s office, two pit latrines, and the provision of school furniture.
Kitong said interior painting was underway and expressed confidence the facility would be ready on time.
‘My office has already written to the head teacher to liaise with members of the school management committee and PTA to start mobilising parents to send their children for enrolment,’ he said, adding that the move had been welcomed by the local community.
Members of the school management committee say the reopening could draw learners from beyond Tororo Municipality.
‘The school will attract pupils from neighbouring sub-counties,’ committee member Richard Otabong said on Tuesday, noting that increased enrolment could stimulate local economic activity through small businesses serving students and staff.
He added that the school’s location would ease the financial strain on families who previously had to send children to distant schools following the demolition.
Residents also expect the school’s operations to generate employment opportunities within the community.
‘As the finishing touches are applied to the buildings, Morukatipe View Primary School stands as a beacon of hope for our village,’ said local resident Amadede Okware.
‘This promises to uplift education standards and stimulate the local economy.’