Broken Desks, Stolen Roofs and Human Waste: Gulu Schools Struggle With Holiday Vandalism Crisis

GULU, Uganda – Gulu District authorities have warned parents and community members against vandalising school property and defecating in classrooms during school holidays, saying those found responsible will face strict penalties.

The warning was issued by Harriet Atim, the Gulu District Education Officer, who described the growing trend as alarming and harmful to education in the district.

According to Atim, several schools across the district have reported cases of broken desks, stolen roofing materials, and human waste being left inside classrooms while learners are away for holidays.

She said the destruction of school property is affecting learning and putting additional pressure on already limited school resources.

“Such actions not only destroy infrastructure but also pose serious health risks to pupils when schools reopen,” Atim said.

School administrators revealed that the damage is often discovered only when the new term begins, forcing schools to divert funds meant for learning materials towards repairs and cleaning.

One head teacher, who preferred anonymity, said schools spend a lot of time restoring classrooms before lessons can resume, something that disrupts academic programs and delays preparations for the new term.

Local leaders have attributed the increasing cases of vandalism and misuse of school facilities to weak community ownership, poor security around schools, and idleness among some youths during holiday periods.

Harriet Atim, Gulu District Education Officer

Atim has now called upon parents, local council leaders, school management committees, and community members to work together in protecting school property.

She urged communities to organize patrols around schools during holidays and report any suspicious individuals involved in vandalism or destruction of public property.

Education officials emphasized that safeguarding schools is a shared responsibility that is necessary to ensure a safe learning environment and improve education outcomes in the district.

Authorities warned that strict action, including penalties against those found responsible, will be enforced to curb the vice.