By Our Reporter 

Soroti City - Learning at Agora Secondary School in Soroti City West Division is facing significant setbacks due to the poor state of access roads leading to the institution. Students and school authorities have raised concerns over the impact of the deteriorating infrastructure on education delivery.

The roads connecting the school to communities such as Lale, Agama, and Dokolo have become increasingly impassable, especially during the rainy season. This has resulted in frequent late coming, absenteeism, and a decline in academic performance.

Emmanuel Ewachu, a student at the school, described the daily struggle learners face while commuting. “During the rainy season, the roads become extremely muddy. We often arrive at school with dirty uniforms and shoes, which is uncomfortable and affects our ability to concentrate in class,” he said.

Unice Amuso, another student, noted that the poor road conditions are a key contributor to reduced syllabus coverage. “Some students come from far, and when the roads are bad, they arrive late or miss school entirely. This delays the learning process for everyone,” she explained.

School administrators are equally concerned. According to Denis Ewongu, the Deputy Head Teacher, the situation is affecting both students and teachers. “Many students come to school tired and dirty. This not only lowers their morale but also affects classroom engagement and performance,” Ewongu said.

Head Teacher David Omaali emphasized that road infrastructure plays a crucial role in education. “Poor road connectivity increases travel time and discourages regular attendance. It also hinders the timely delivery of teaching materials and other resources necessary for effective learning,” Omaali stated.

In response, Soroti City Secretary for Works, Simon Okiring, confirmed that the city has plans to improve road infrastructure, including routes leading to Agora Secondary School. “We are aware of the challenges and have included several access roads in our rehabilitation plans. We are committed to ensuring that learners can reach school safely and on time,” he said.

As the number of students continues to rise, stakeholders at Agora Secondary School are urging government and local authorities to prioritize road rehabilitation to support the delivery of quality education.