MUGABE R
Mr. Geoffrey Kyomukama, the LC5 Chairperson of Rukungiri District, has urged the authorities at Kyamakanda Secondary School in Buyanja Town Council to petition the Ministry of Education and Sports for infrastructure support, assuring them of follow-up by the political leadership.
He delivered this message on Saturday, 5th October 2024, as the Chief Guest, representing Hon. Major General Jim Muhwezi, the Member of Parliament for Rujumbura County and Security Minister, during a fundraising service at Kyamakanda Secondary School to commemorate its 40th anniversary. The event also marked the construction of a multipurpose block, estimated to cost 2.98 billion shillings, which will house a main hall, an examination hall, and a library.
Kyomukama responded to complaints from the head teacher, highlighting that despite the school’s large enrollment, the government has not constructed any buildings since the school’s inception in 1984. He therefore encouraged the school to draft a petition so that political leaders could follow up with the government.
Earlier in the day, Kyomukama commissioned a storied building constructed by the parents at a cost of 1.3 billion shillings and delivered 200 bags of cement as a contribution from Hon. Jim Muhwezi.
North Kigezi Emeritus Bishop Patrick Tugume Tusingwire, who led the service, assisted by the North Kigezi Diocesan Secretary and Dean, congratulated the school community and encouraged the educators at Kyamakanda Secondary School to aim higher. He emphasized that the 40th anniversary is a significant milestone that represents a solid and enduring direction for the future.
Hon. Naboth Namanya, the Member of Parliament for Rubabo County, expressed concern over the issue of parents denying their daughters the opportunity to pursue higher education beyond Senior Four. He stressed the need for more educated women who can support education and demonstrate integrity in taking on high-profile roles, citing the examples of the Prime Minister and the Speaker of Parliament.
Hon. Rolland Mugume Kaginda, the former Rukungiri Municipality Member of Parliament, urged the school authorities to intensify their lobbying efforts with the government. He noted that the government disburses capitation grants, which should be allocated to the school to improve infrastructure and ease the financial burden on parents.
Mr. David Turyamusima Kapiira, the head teacher of Kyamakanda, praised the school’s founders and supporters and was awarded a certificate of appreciation. He also acknowledged the government for its consistent capitation grant but highlighted significant challenges, including a shortage of teachers on the payroll and a lack of government-funded infrastructure, despite the school’s high standards.
Jimmy Turyagyenda, a former head teacher who retired from Ntare School in Mbarara, expressed his strong support for Kyamakanda, recalling the employment opportunities and friendships he formed during his tenure, and wished the school continued success.
Sabiiti Martin Rwabihurwa, the Chairperson of the Old Students Association, expressed enthusiasm for supporting the school, noting that it played a key role in shaping their lives. He expressed hope that Kyamakanda would continue to produce quality professionals who would serve across the globe.
The fundraising event raised 60,482,500 UGX (sixty million, four hundred eighty-two thousand five hundred shillings) in cash and cement donations.
