GIDEON TUMWESIGYE
The Kabale Bukinda Primary Teachers College 2003/2005 alumni have launched a financial association aimed at reuniting former students. The association was officially launched on Saturday, 19th October 2024, during a reunion held at New Vienna Guest House in Kabale Municipality, 19 years after leaving the college.
Grant Ayebazibwe, the association chairperson, who currently works with Green Hills Academy in Rwanda, an institution owned by Rwanda’s First Lady, Janet Kagame, stated that the association would foster unity among the alumni and help build social capital. He also mentioned that the association will support its members in both challenging and joyful times, with the long-term goal of establishing an academic year SACCO (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization).
Ayebazibwe criticized the Ugandan government for its strict policies regarding teachers, particularly the requirement for teachers to have a bachelor’s degree and the phasing out of Grade III teachers, while salaries have remained stagnant. He emphasized that the government should recognize the value of teachers and increase their remuneration to motivate them.
Nathan Biryomumeisho, who transitioned from education to business, encouraged teachers to have a vision and establish side businesses to avoid being burdened by loans, which are stifling their personal development.
The alumni group, which started their academic journey in 2003 with 250 students, has sadly lost 14 members to date.
