Officials in Mukono Municipality have commissioned the construction of new classroom blocks in five schools, a project worth 531,495,349 Shillings aimed at improving education infrastructure.
The schools set to benefit from the project include Takajjunge Church of Uganda Primary School, Bishop East Primary School, Nsambwe Church of Uganda Primary School, Nyenje Primary School, and Kiwango UMEA Primary School.
During the launch, the Archdeacon for Nasuuti Archdeaconry, Venerable Canon Kampi Kenneth Lukwago, warned engineers against poor construction practices, which he said often lead to buildings collapsing before their first anniversary.
“We are all victims of corruption, and if projects like these fail despite the huge sums of taxpayers’ money invested, that would be a great disservice to our people. I implore you to ensure the work meets the highest standards,” he said.
He also criticised parents who fail to provide lunch for their children at school, emphasising that feeding them is their responsibility, not the government’s.
“You cannot run to the authorities when asked for lunch fees. These children are your responsibility. The government is only here to support but not to replace you as parents,” he added.
Mukono Municipal Engineer, Harunah Ssebadduka, assured stakeholders that the contracts had been given to reliable contractors, most of whom had previously worked with the municipality.
“These projects will run for three months. We encourage School Management Committees and Parent-Teacher Associations to actively monitor the work and report any concerns,” Ssebadduka stated.
Addressing Congestion in Schools
Municipal Education Inspector, Faridah Nassolo, said the new classroom blocks aim to ease congestion and create a better learning environment.
Meanwhile, Mukono Diocese Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Enos Kitto Kagodo, blamed political interference for delays in government programs.
“I am deeply concerned about how politics in Mukono Municipality has hindered development,” he remarked.
According to Kagodo, when a school like Bishop East Primary, which was founded in 1910, still lacks improved structures, one has to question the nature of leadership in this area
Calls for Storeyed Buildings
Takajjunge Church of Uganda Primary School Headteacher, Joy Jjingo, welcomed the new buildings but urged authorities to consider constructing storeyed classrooms due to limited space in urban schools.
“With our growing student numbers, we must start planning for vertical expansion. We also struggle with inadequate staff quarters, a shortage of teachers, and a lack of library space,” she explained.
Deputy Mayor William Makumbi credited the project’s commencement to teamwork and consistent lobbying.
Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Rhondah Titwe Kagaaga, urged contractors to ensure value for money and emphasised that teachers should not expel pupils over unpaid lunch fees.
Instead, she encouraged further engagement with parents through her office.
“The government is committed to improving education. Parents should also do their part by ensuring their children have lunch to support their learning,” she stated.
The new classroom blocks are expected to be completed within three months, significantly improving the learning conditions in the five schools.
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