In a significant effort to address the dire conditions of school infrastructure in Greater Luweero, the Ministry of Luwero-Ruwenzori Triangle has provided a lifeline to 32 schools. A donation of 6,954 iron sheets was extended to these educational institutions, aimed at rectifying the damage inflicted by heavy rains and the deterioration of their roofing structures.
The beneficiaries of this substantial donation comprise 19 primary schools located in Luweero District and an additional 13 schools situated in Nakaseke District. These schools had long been grappling with dilapidated roofs, causing disruptions to the education of countless students. Among the primary schools that received this vital support are Ngoma Church of Uganda, Bujubya, Bukalabi, Mayirikiti, Mifunya, Lumpewe, Kifampa, and Kituntu in Nakaseke.
Other schools in Luweero, including Butuntumula, Kyanukuzi, Luwero Boys, Manywa Blue, Kasaala Girls, Wakatayi, Wobulenzi UMEA, Wobulenzi Public School, and Star Junior Academy, also witnessed the restoration of their learning environments through the provision of iron sheets.
James Tumuhairwe Ninsiima, the headteacher of Ngoma Church of Uganda Primary School in Nakaseke, expressed gratitude for this generous gesture. He shared a concerning incident from the past when a severe storm had damaged a classroom block, leaving five classes without proper shelter. Tragically, the renovation of this block had remained pending for 15 years, compelling students to study under trees or share classrooms.
However, thanks to the Ministry of Luwero-Rwenzori Triangle’s allocation of 400 iron sheets, Ngoma Church of Uganda Primary School can now initiate the much-needed repairs and accommodate a portion of its 800 pupils in a safe and conducive environment.
In Nakaseke, Ignatius Koomu Kiwanuka, the LCV Chairperson of the district, highlighted a situation where parents had constructed new classroom blocks in certain schools but were unable to complete them due to financial constraints. These selected schools were identified for the donation to ensure the completion of these structures, which had remained unfinished for an extended period.
Koomu emphasized the urgency of renovating old schools to prevent students from being exposed to the risks posed by dilapidated structures that could potentially collapse during heavy rains.
Burton Bbumba, the headteacher of Luwero Boys Primary School, expressed relief and optimism upon receiving 200 iron sheets. These materials will be instrumental in replacing the aging sheets, enhancing the learning environment, particularly during the rainy season. He pointed out that the current roofing structures had been in place for half a century and were in dire need of renovation.
Florence Bbosa, the Luwero District Education Officer, noted that budgetary constraints had restricted the construction of classroom blocks to just six schools annually. Regrettably, this number is projected to decrease to three in the upcoming financial year. The donation of iron sheets not only alleviates the immediate challenges faced by schools but also aids in expanding coverage and addressing classroom shortages across the district.
The official launch of the iron sheet distribution took place in Luwero town council, with the State Minister In Charge of Luwero Triangle, Alice Kaboyo, leading the initiative. She urged local leaders in the districts to ensure that the donated iron sheets are exclusively used for roofing classroom blocks. Minister Kaboyo also mentioned that, in the course of distribution, certain private schools would also benefit from this generous offer.
To make this substantial contribution possible, the Ministry of Luweero Triangle procured a total of 8,874 iron sheets at a cost of 631 million shillings, with the intention of distributing them to schools and veterans alike.
