By Weswa Ronnie
MBALE CITY
Mbale City’s Bukonde Secondary School, a government-aided institution, has been allocated Shs500million by the Ministry of Education and Sports in the financial year 2024/2025 for construction of new facilities at the school.
According to a letter dated June 11, 2024, from Ms. Lamaro Katty, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports, this fund is specifically designated for the construction of infrastructures at this government-aided school.
The letter further indicates that the procurement of civil works for the school will be undertaken by the local government, and the working documents, such as bills of quantities and technical drawings, will be obtained from the Ministry of Education.
Abubakar Masifa, the Head Teacher of Bukonde Secondary School, told our reporter this morning, Friday, 21st June, 2024 that he is grateful to the Minister of Education, Janet Kataha Museveni, the Permanent Secretary, city management, and other stakeholders for the grant.
He sais that this is the first significant grant the school has received in 40 years, which will address some of their pressing infrastructure challenges.
However, Masifa noted that the school still faces numerous challenges including, a shortage of classroom blocks where teaching is being undertaken in tents, lack of laboratory facility, no library and the absence of staff quarters and a multipurpose hall among others.
Mr. Sulayi Mumeya, a board member of the school, also expressed appreciation to President Museveni, First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni, Prime Minister Nabanja Robinah, Mbale City Authority, school management, parents, and the community for their support.
Mbale City Mayor, Cassim Namugali says that Bukonde SS is being developed into a model school in the city. He adds that despite its rural location, the school has been performing exceptionally well.
He recounted his initial visit to the school, which left a positive impression and led to efforts to secure resources for the school, including lobbying toilets from WaterAid.
Namugali mentioned the poor condition of an old building that has not been plastered or painted but expressed optimism about the planned improvements.
Namugali concluded by thanking the head teacher and staff for their dedication to improving the school and highlighted the positive impact of the new grant on the school’s future infrastructure.
