SIMPSON M
The management of Ruruku Mosque School in Kalangaro Ward, Western Division, Rukungiri Municipality, has called for immediate intervention from the government and local leaders due to the school’s deteriorating state.
Adam Bwisho, the founder of Ruruku Mosque School and Secretary for the Imam at Ruruku Mosque, stated that the school was established in 2006 and, after six years, was handed over to the mosque for management. Efforts were made to have it registered as a government-aided school, but these attempts were unsuccessful.
Due to financial constraints, the mosque struggled to develop the school and organized a fundraising event to build additional classrooms. However, none of the invited leaders attended the event, leaving the construction stalled at the foundation level.
Bwisho expressed his disappointment with Rukungiri leaders for neglecting Muslim schools. He noted that despite inviting them on multiple occasions, they have failed to offer any support. He acknowledged that Rukungiri District Woman MP, Hon. Medius Kaharaata, donated 10 bags of cement, but other leaders failed to respond, leaving the school’s infrastructure in a dire state. He urged the government and local leaders to stop sidelining Muslim schools, emphasizing that their primary goal is to educate Ugandans, just like other institutions.
Sheik Baduru Byabagambi, the Chairperson of Ruruku Mosque, also criticized the unfair treatment of Muslim schools by Rukungiri leaders. He stated that the poor infrastructure has led to a significant decline in enrollment, with student numbers dropping from 180 to just 60. He appealed to leaders to take action and rescue the school from collapsing.
Sheik Abdul Malik Kayole, the Rukungiri District Kadhi, acknowledged the challenges faced by Muslim schools and revealed plans for a workshop with school foundation bodies and their committees to address the issues and seek solutions.
He also noted that misunderstandings between parents and school administrators had affected the smooth running of Ruruku Mosque School. The upcoming workshop will bring together parents and school committees to clarify their roles and responsibilities in ensuring the school’s success.
Additionally, he appreciated the few leaders who have supported fundraising efforts for Muslim schools. However, he urged more leaders to dedicate time and resources to such initiatives, as they were elected to serve the people.
