Authorities in Rukiga District Local Government have commissioned Bukinda Seed Secondary School, a 2.9 billion shillings government-funded project located in Kandago Parish, Bukinda Sub-county, to expand access to secondary education in the area.
Construction of the school, contracted to Geses Uganda Limited, began in 2022 and was initially scheduled for completion within two years.
The facilities include six classrooms, an administration block, three double-unit teachers’ houses, an ICT laboratory, two double-unit science laboratories, a multipurpose hall, staff kitchens, pit latrines, a library, water-harvesting tanks and a playground, among others.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Monday, Rukiga District Engineer Eng. Deogratius Mutabazi said the project was delayed after the contractor failed to complete works on time and was required to correct several anomalies identified by the district.
He, however, did not disclose details of the anomalies. Mutabazi also revealed that the contractor is demanding an unpaid balance of Shs399 million.
The Acting Rukiga District Education Officer, Christopher Ndyabegyera, said the school will begin operations in the coming academic year, initially admitting Ordinary Level students. He added that 31 staff members have already been deployed to ensure smooth operations.
Head Teacher Amos Musimenta welcomed the completion of the project but highlighted outstanding needs, including fencing the school to reduce trespass, deploying armed security to prevent theft, and equipping the science and ICT laboratories to support effective learning.
He also noted that the available staff houses can only accommodate six teachers, leaving others to rent off-campus.
Rukiga District LC5 Chairperson Robert Mbabazi Kakwerere and Resident District Commissioner Kamusiime Zadock commended the Diocese of Kigezi for donating land for the school, describing the gesture as a major contribution to education development in the district. They also praised the government for funding the project.
Kamusiime urged the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer and school management to fast-track the installation of security surveillance cameras to curb theft and unauthorized access.
Brenda Ainembabazi, a member of the school board, said the new school will ease the burden on learners who previously travelled long distances to access secondary education, particularly at Kihanga Secondary School.
She noted that the long distances had contributed to high dropout rates among girls, adding that the new facility is expected to improve retention and performance.
Bukinda Seed Secondary School is the second seed secondary school in Rukiga District, following the commissioning of Rwamucucu Seed Secondary School in Kihorezo, Rwamucucu Sub-county, in January 2022.
Before the establishment of Bukinda Seed Secondary School, Bukinda Sub-county had no government secondary school. After St Paul’s Secondary School, Bukinda and Bukinda Secondary School became part of Muhanga Town Council following its creation in 2010.
With the commissioning of the new school, Rukiga District has achieved 100 percent coverage, with every sub-county and town council now hosting a government secondary school.
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