By Weswa Ronnie
BUTALEJA
Bukedi College Kachonga in Butaleja District has received a major boost after securing Shs 1.5 billion to renovate its ageing structures.
The funding, sourced from the World Bank through the Ministry of Education and Sports under the Uganda Acceleration Programme, will be used to refurbish classroom blocks, dormitories, and staff quarters at the school.
According to the headteacher, Yokosofat Outa, the institution, one of the oldest traditional schools in Butaleja, established in 1958 has long, struggled with dilapidated infrastructure. Many of the buildings have been leaking and are at risk of collapse, a situation he said has negatively affected student enrolment.
Outa revealed that a team of officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports recently visited the school to assess the scope of work required. During the visit, they also pledged to increase staffing levels at the institution.
Currently, the school has 25 qualified teachers and 13 locally paid staff, serving a student population of about 480 learners. The headteacher noted that the Ministry has already supported the school with textbooks and computers to improve learning.
Despite the progress, Outa highlighted the need for improved access to safe water at the school, expressing optimism that ongoing developments will lead to better academic performance.
Bukedi College Kachonga, which had experienced a decline in academic performance and overall standards, is gradually regaining its footing.
Recently, the school joined Mulagi Girls Secondary School in celebrating improved performance in both Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations in Butaleja District.
