NICHOLAS A
Minister of Education and First Lady, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, has urged school headteachers in government institutions to refrain from demanding building fund contributions from students. She emphasized that this practice contradicts the Ministry of Education’s guidelines.
Her message was delivered by Minister of Security and Rujumbura County legislator, Hon. Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi Katugugu, who represented her at a fundraising event held to support the construction of a girls’ dormitory at Bishop’s High School Kyabugashe in Nyakagyeme Sub-County, Rukungiri District.
Janet Museveni emphasized that the government is responsible for constructing classrooms and other essential infrastructure in its schools. However, she noted that parents may voluntarily decide to contribute to building projects or hire additional teachers when necessary. She underscored that such contributions must be made willingly, as coercing parents is against ministry regulations.
She also called on parents to ensure their children have food, pointing out that the government cannot provide meals in addition to paying teachers and constructing school facilities. Additionally, she clarified that while boarding facilities are generally discouraged in government schools, they can be implemented as a measure to enhance the safety of students. Nevertheless, she stressed that no student or pupil should be compelled to join boarding if they or their parents do not wish to.
The headteacher of Kyabugashe High School, Arinaitwe Alvas, disclosed that the school currently has 945 enrolled students, with 415 in the boarding section. The need to improve living conditions for girls motivated the fundraising initiative, and Alvas revealed that UGX 215,595,000 is required for the dormitory construction.
Bishop Emeritus Patrick Tugume Tusiingwire, during his sermon, reminded attendees of their duty as Ugandans and Christians to support the development of institutions such as schools and healthcare facilities, as well as their communities, by sharing their resources.
The event raised a total of UGX 31,354,400, along with 100 bags of cement and 100 iron sheets, to begin the dormitory construction project.
