The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) on Thursday presented valuable infrastructure to Kisoro district local government at Bunagana primary school, estimated at a value of 178 million shillings.
The handover ceremony was attended by esteemed guests, including Kisoro RDC Hajji Shafiq Sekandi Sengoba, accompanied by other political and technical leaders from the district.
During the event, Sharmake Hassan, the UNHCR co-coordinator for Kisoro district, expressed his appreciation for the cooperative spirit and effective leadership that facilitated the timely completion of the project.
While acknowledging the generosity of the local communities towards asylum seekers crossing into Uganda, he emphasized that the structures provided to Bunagana primary school were merely a token of gratitude.
Hassan revealed that over 10,000 refugees have sought shelter in Uganda, with Bunagana being the primary entry point, making it the most adversely affected area.
In recognition of UNHCR’s support to Bunagana primary school, Mwunvaneza Emmanuel, the Kisoro district Education officer, praised the organization.
Despite the assistance received from UNHCR, Emmanuel highlighted the shortage of adequate infrastructure at the school, which currently caters to a total of 702 pupils.
Kwizera George, the principal assistant Chief administrative officer, assured parents, teachers, and students of Bunagana primary school that the renovation of old and dilapidated structures would be prioritized under the DRDIP project in Kisoro. He urged them to remain patient, as the project would provide much-needed improvements.
Hajji Shafiq Ssekandi, the Kisoro district RDC, emphasized that Bunagana residents can anticipate additional benefits, such as monetary assistance, seeds for farming, and water tanks.
These offerings serve as a token of gratitude to the community for their willingness to endure the loss of crops and property while accommodating refugees.
