St Kizito Secondary School in Banda, Mityana District, has once again reminded President Yoweri Museveni and the Ministry of Education of pledges that have gone unfulfilled for more than a decade. The school says the promises, made as far back as 2011, remain incomplete and continue to affect the quality of education.
According to the head teacher, Ms. Betty Namale Ssebulime, President Museveni promised to construct a two-unit science laboratory when he visited the school in 2011. While the structure was finally erected in 2019, it still lacks essential equipment such as gas, running water, and electricity, making it unusable for science lessons. “We had to turn the laboratory into classrooms because of space shortages, but this inconveniences our students, especially during science practicals,” she said during a school fundraiser and music album launch held on August 15.
The situation is so dire that some students are forced to study under tree sheds, often interrupted by heavy rains or scorching sunshine. Ms. Namale added that the school still struggles with limited infrastructure, including classrooms and staff housing. “We have moving blackboards and inadequate space for learners. The then Minister of Education, now Vice President, Rtd Major Jessica Alupo, also promised staff houses, but that pledge has not yet been fulfilled. Currently, 33 teachers share only six units, with at least six teachers squeezed into one room,” she explained.
The school’s concerns were presented to the Chief Guest at the function, Ms. Judith Nabakooba, Minister for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development. Ms. Nabakooba praised the school’s resilience and assured the community that she would forward their pleas to the President and the education ministry. “I will work with the head teacher to write a letter reminding them of these pledges, and I promise to follow it up until something is done,” she said.
The minister also encouraged students to work hard and value the sacrifices their parents make to keep them in school. She commended the school for engaging learners in extracurricular activities, including music, noting the successful launch of the school’s music album during the same event.
In a show of unity and determination, Ms. Nabakooba joined school leaders, old students, and parents in laying the foundation stone for a new three-classroom block. The treasurer of the project, Mr. Erisa Biribaasa, revealed that they need Shs250 million to complete the building, with Shs70 million already raised by old students. “We already have the architectural plan, and we hope to start construction before the end of this year,” he said.
While the pledges remain pending, the school community continues to take small steps towards development, hoping that the government will finally fulfill its promises to improve learning conditions for their students.
