GIDEON TUMWIJUKYE
RUKIGA- During a session at the Rukiiko Hall in Rukiga District, Speaker Oscar Akampurira tasked the Sectoral Committee on Education with explaining why the district failed to support two primary schools that had qualified for the National Level in Music, Dance, and Drama (MDD) Competitions.
Akampurira expressed disappointment that Rukiga Primary School and Kicucwe Primary School, both from Kashambya Sub County, placed second and third, respectively, during the regional MDD competitions held in Kanungu District last month but were unable to represent Rukiga District at the national level. He requested accountability from the committee chairperson and the District Education Officer regarding the use of co-curricular activity funds.
Committee Chairperson Ronah Tweheyo Rwebandira and District Education Officer Vastina Beyendera explained that out of the 30 million Ugandan shillings allocated by the district council for co-curricular activities in the last financial year, 17 million was set aside for MDD from the zonal to regional levels. After these expenses, only 892,500 shillings remained, which was insufficient to cover the costs of the national competition. Beyendera added that they are recommending using the remaining balance to purchase gifts for the two schools that qualified for nationals.
Muhanga Town Council LC5 Councilor Godfrey Mukuru noted that the Education Committee had previously suggested abolishing MDD, citing its high costs, and reallocating the funds to scouting, which involves fewer participants. However, Kamwezi Sub County Councilor Elly Akampumuza opposed this proposal, arguing that it would stifle the talents of learners skilled in MDD.
Speaker Akampurira advised the Education Department to communicate in advance if there are budget constraints, allowing time to seek funding from well-wishers for such activities. He emphasized that the failure to support these schools could demoralize talented learners.
