Staff Reporter
Kigezi College Butobere Old Boys are facing uncertainty about the school’s future as its infrastructure continues to deteriorate, despite the government’s pledge to release 3 billion shillings for a much-needed renovation.
In July 2023, the Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang, announced that the Ugandan government had taken significant steps to revamp eight secondary schools in the Kigezi sub-region. This initiative is supported by a grant from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and a concessional credit facility from the World Bank. Ogwang highlighted that Kigezi College Butobere is among the eight schools chosen as part of a larger project to upgrade 120 traditional secondary schools nationwide. This project is overseen by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni.
However, despite plans to release the 3 billion shillings, the Old Boys of Kigezi College Butobere remain doubtful about whether the renovation will happen. They claim that over the past five years, the government has allocated funds annually for the school’s renovation, only for Kabale Municipality authorities to be instructed to withhold the funds without explanation. As a result, the money has been returned to the treasury each time.
Counsel Elvis Twenda, Chairperson of the Siniya Alumni Forum, voiced frustration, stating that the school’s poor condition discourages parents from enrolling their children. He also revealed a startling fact: despite the school’s long history, it had never possessed a land title until recent efforts by the alumni. Twenda noted that securing the title required personal contributions from the alumni.
Moses Ntahobari, Chairperson of the Board of Governors, acknowledged the past setbacks but remains hopeful. He recently met with the Education Commissioner, who advised the school to submit a formal request for the 3 billion shillings to initiate the renovation. Ntahobari is optimistic that once the funds are released, they will either engage local contractors or collaborate with the UPDF Engineering Brigade to complete the work.
Justus Mastiko, Head Teacher of Kigezi College Butobere, stressed that revitalizing the school’s infrastructure would not only attract more students but also greatly improve the learning environment.
Kabale District Resident District Commissioner, Godfrey Nyakahuma, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring traditional schools like Kigezi College Butobere, aligning with the NRM government’s vision of promoting social and economic transformation through the enhancement of science education.
Last Saturday, the Old Boys of Kigezi College Butobere officially launched the Siniya Academic Fund, aimed at supporting academically talented but financially disadvantaged students. Alumni believe this initiative will help boost enrollment and academic performance, restoring the school’s former reputation as a top educational institution in the Kigezi sub-region.
Founded in 1957 in Butobere, Central Division, Kabale Municipality, Kigezi College Butobere—commonly known as Siniya—has been in decline due to crumbling infrastructure, outdated furniture, and inadequate sanitation facilities. The school, once hosting over 1,000 students, now has an enrollment of only 210.
