By Weswa Ronnie
MBALE CITY
Excitement filled Nkoma Secondary School in Mbale City on Wednesday, 17th September, 2025 as more than 7,000 students, teaching staff, and parents witnessed the launch of the school’s newly purchased 64-seater bus, registration number UA 185BQ.
The bus is expected to greatly enhance games and sports activities and education at the institution.
The bus was officially received on Wednesday morning by Sheikh Issa Ahmed Masaba Pole, the Kadhi Bugisu Muslim District Council, Deputy RCCs Hamza Banja and Were Yahaya, and members of the school board.
Head teacher Abubakar Kawanguzi commonly known as Big Picture commended the tireless efforts and contributions of the teaching staff, board of governors, PTA, parents, students, well-wishers, and the wider community for making this achievement possible.
Kawanguzi revealed that Nkoma SS has an enrollment of 7,397 students, managed by 81 teachers on government payroll, 87 non-government teachers, and 37 support staff.
“The brand new Isuzu bus is a clear sign of parents’ commitment. They passed a resolution to purchase this bus, and here it is. We have also registered other achievements in discipline, academic performance, and co-curricular activities.
Kawanguzi also noted that the bus will reduce the high costs of hiring transport for students during sports programs, inter-district competitions and field work studies.
However, Kawanguzi noted that they still face challenges such as a shortage of classroom blocks. He also requested the government to replace condemned building with new ones.
Sheikh Soudi Masalu, chairman of the PTA Executive, expressed gratitude to parents and alumni for their generous contributions and unwavering support.
Masalu said their commitment to resource mobilization has been instrumental in making the project a success.
Former commissioner for Secondary Education, Sam Kuloba, praised Nkoma SS for its rapid growth and transformation.
“The Nkoma SS I knew some years back is not the Nkoma of today. It is now one of the fastest-growing and transforming schools in the country and the largest USE school. With such a big population, the school must plan for a second bus because one is not enough,” he advised.
Mbale Northern City Division Deputy RCC, Yahaya Were, urged students to concentrate on their studies and maintain discipline.
While Industrial City Division Deputy RCC, Hamza Banja, commended the school for ending the past culture of student fights with neighboring schools.
Sheikh Issa Ahmed Masaba Pole who led the Shukur prayers for the Bus, thanked the head teacher for the achievement but emphasized that with a population of over 7,000 students, the school needs at least six more buses.
He also called on the government to support Nkoma SS with additional transport and infrastructure.
