Japan funds new classrooms to ease congestion at Kwania school

KWANIA - Over 1,100 pupils at Kwania district-based Amorigoga Primary School are set to benefit from new classrooms and improved sanitation facilities.

The development follows the Embassy of Japan giving the school $99,134 (about shillings 350 million)  grant aimed at easing overcrowding and improving learning conditions.

The funding, provided under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects was officially signed on January 28, 2026, at the Japanese Embassy in Kampala.

The one-year project will see the construction of two fully furnished classroom blocks, pit-latrine facilities for boys and girls, and the supply of school furniture.

For Amorigoga Primary School, a government-aided institution in the Lango region, the grant comes at a critical time. Rising enrolment has stretched existing infrastructure, forcing teachers and learners to operate in congested classrooms with limited sanitation facilities.

Driven by human security principle

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Japanese Ambassador to Uganda Sasayama Takuya said Japan’s education support is driven by the principle of human security, which focuses on protecting people’s dignity and well-being.

“Japan’s support in education is rooted in human security, ensuring every child can learn in a safe and healthy environment,” Ambassador Sasayama said, noting that learning outcomes are closely tied to physical infrastructure and hygiene.

Drawing from Japan’s own post-war experience, the ambassador said rebuilding schools and investing in education played a central role in the country’s recovery and economic growth.

He emphasised that sanitation facilities are not an add-on, but a core part of education.

“Education begins with safe classrooms and proper sanitation,” he said, adding that hygiene facilities help keep children healthy and in school, particularly girls who are mostly affected by poor sanitation.

Under the project, Amorigoga Primary School will receive two classroom blocks housing four classrooms and a teachers’ office, as well as three stance pit-latrine blocks, two for girls and one for boys, along with desks and other essential furniture.

The upgrades are expected to significantly reduce pupil congestion and create a more supportive learning environment.

Japan’s GGP scheme, launched in 1992, supports community-based development projects across Uganda. To date, 296 projects have been implemented nationwide in education, health and agriculture.

While Japan has supported several initiatives in the wider Lango sub-region, this marks the first GGP project in Kwania District.

Ambassador Sasayama urged the school and community to take ownership of the facilities, stressing the importance of sustainability beyond construction.

School welcomes support

Amorigoga Primary School headteacher Joel Ayeni said the grant addresses long-standing challenges that community efforts alone could not resolve.

“While the school and community have tried to repair dilapidated structures through self-help initiatives, the increasing number of pupils made it difficult to conduct lessons properly,” Ayeni said.

He described the support from Japan as transformative, saying it goes beyond infrastructure to restore hope and confidence among pupils and teachers alike.
“We are deeply touched by this generosity,” Ayeni said. 

“This support goes beyond material assistance; it creates real opportunities for our learners and strengthens accountability within the community.”

According to the headteacher, improved classrooms and sanitation facilities are expected to boost attendance, retention and teacher morale. He noted that proper latrines, especially for girls, will help reduce absenteeism.

“Children will now have a safer, more welcoming environment that nurtures concentration and creativity, while teachers will have better conditions to deliver lessons effectively,” he added.

As implementation begins, the school, district authorities, the Ministry of Education and Sports, and the Japanese Embassy are expected to work closely to ensure timely completion.

Ambassador Sasayama hopes the project will help “nurture future contributors to Uganda’s development,” as the two countries continue to strengthen cooperation in community development and education.