Nature of existing school facilities in secondary schools in Nakivale settlement, Isingiro District; A cross-sectional study

Authors

  • Pius Muhumuza Directorate of graduate studies, research and innovation, Bishop Stuart University Author
  • Dr. Enock Barigye Directorate of graduate studies, research and innovation, Bishop Stuart University Author
  • Rev.Canon.Asaph Kabakyenga Directorate of graduate studies, research and innovation, Bishop Stuart University Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64792/mkxjf578

Keywords:

Physical school facilities, Student enrolment, Secondary education, Nakivale settlement, refugee education, School infrastructure

Abstract

Background

The study aimed to assess the nature of existing school facilities in secondary schools in Nakivale Settlement, Isingiro District.

Methodology

A descriptive case study design using quantitative and qualitative approaches was conducted in secondary schools in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Isingiro District. The target population was 545, with 274 respondents selected using purposive and simple random sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, observation, and documentary review. Validity was assessed through expert review and piloting, while reliability used Cronbach’s alpha. Quantitative data were analyzed in SPSS using descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically using ATLAS.ti.

Results

A total of 220 questionnaires were returned, giving an overall response rate of 86.6%, including 185 students (86.4%). Among students, 105 (56.8%) were male and 80 (43.2%) females; 72 (38.9%) were in Senior Four, 65 (35.1%) Senior Five and 48 (26.0%) Senior Six. Physical school facilities recorded an overall mean of 4.05. Limited access to ICT facilities had the highest mean (4.34), followed by inadequate water and sanitation (4.16), significant infrastructural challenges (4.16), inadequate accommodation (4.10), deteriorating infrastructure (4.08), inadequate teaching and learning materials (4.02), overcrowding and safety concerns (3.97), limited extracurricular and vocational facilities (3.96), teacher shortages (3.85), and security challenges (3.82). Thematic findings identified overcrowding, insufficient learning materials, inadequate sanitation, limited laboratory and library resources, and maintenance needs, while classrooms and essential facilities remained functional. The supplied results do not report a correlation coefficient between physical facilities and enrolment.

Conclusion
Physical facilities in Nakivale secondary schools are inadequate, with overcrowding, poor sanitation, limited ICT, materials, accommodation, and security.

Recommendation
The Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Education and Sports, UNHCR and partners should prioritize classrooms, sanitation, ICT, materials, and boarding facilities.

Author Biographies

  • Pius Muhumuza, Directorate of graduate studies, research and innovation, Bishop Stuart University

    a student pursuing master of education management planning and administration of Bishop Stuart University

  • Dr. Enock Barigye, Directorate of graduate studies, research and innovation, Bishop Stuart University

    research supervisor at Bishop Stuart University.

  • Rev.Canon.Asaph Kabakyenga, Directorate of graduate studies, research and innovation, Bishop Stuart University

    research supervisor at Bishop Stuart University.

References

1. Brown, L., & Patel, R. (2023). School safety and infrastructure in refugee settlements. International Journal of School Safety.

2. Johnson, T., & Lee, S. (2022). Safety and school infrastructure in refugee settings. Journal of School Safety and Security.

3. Mugisha, J., & Nakato, S. (2023). Infrastructure deficiencies in Nakivale secondary schools. Ugandan Journal of Education.

4. Nakato, S., & Nsubuga, S. (2023). Teacher capacity and infrastructure in refugee schools. International Journal of Teacher Education.

5. Ndyanabuga, M., & Namatovu, F. (2024). Geographic disparities in refugee access to education. East African Journal of Education.

6. Nsubuga, S., et al. (2022). Water and sanitation in refugee schools. Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Journal.

7. OECD. (2022). Digital skills and refugee youth. OECD Education Working Papers.

8. Svensen, J. (2025). Student perceptions of school environment. Educational Psychology Journal.

9. World Bank. (2021). Investing in refugee education: Strategies and models. World Bank Publications.

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Published

2026-09-22

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 3 (2026): July 2026 Issue

Section

Engineering, ICT, and Emerging Technologies

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Pius Muhumuza, Dr. Enock Barigye, Rev.Canon.Asaph Kabakyenga (Author)

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How to Cite

Nature of existing school facilities in secondary schools in Nakivale settlement, Isingiro District; A cross-sectional study. (2026). East African Journal of Research and Innovation, 2(3), 11. https://doi.org/10.64792/mkxjf578