Mbarara Archdiocese launches sh672m drive to upgrade Nyabwina schools

Schools in Nyabwina Parish in Sheema district are set to undergo a major upgrade if the Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Association (AMDA) secures sh672 million between now and September 2026.

The money is needed to rehabilitate selected primary and secondary schools, equip laboratories and libraries, in addition to providing basic needs to some pupils and students.

Part of the funds will also support a three-day medical camp targeting over 6,000 parishioners from Nyabwina and neighbouring villages.

This was revealed by Chris Gumisiriza, the chairperson of AMDA, during the launch of the 12th AMDA Caravan 2026, which will focus on service delivery in Nyabwina parish. The launch took place at Hotel Africana on April 17, 2026.

Gumusiriza explained that annually, AMDA identifies underserved communities in different parishes in terms of access to social services such as health, education and community welfare.

Through their assessment, Nyabwina Parish was identified as lacking adequate social services, including schools at both primary and secondary levels. Libraries are not fully equipped, and many pupils and students lack basic school requirements.

He said that for the initiative to succeed, sh672 million is required. So far, sh182m has been raised, with over sh200m still in pledges. Once collected, part of the funds will support the construction of a dormitory and facilitate the medical camp that will provide services to more than 6,000 people from Nyabwina and surrounding communities, among other activities.

“The budget is huge, we cannot fully fund it ourselves. It is the reason I am appealing to all well-wishers to support our cause through cash or in kind for the benefit of Nyabwina parishioners.”

Patrick Mutambi, the coordinator of Nyabwina parishioners, added that this year’s caravan will focus on infrastructure development in selected primary and secondary schools, alongside supporting pupils and students with essential items.

“Some primary schools lack clean water, pupils lack mattresses. They lack laboratories. They lack computer labs. And yet with the New curriculum, they need such infrastructure,” he said.

He noted that another challenge the initiative seeks to address through counselling and guidance sessions is drug abuse, which is reportedly on the rise in the region.

“There are many drug addicts in the community, we hope that through some seminars on the eve of the caravan, issues leading to drug abuse will be addressed .Later one we plan to build a skills training center at the parish to cater for women and youth especially in need of skills,” Mutambi added.

He further said that through donations, a fund will be created as start-up capital for beneficiaries who acquire skills but lack resources to begin income-generating activities.

Officiating as chief guest, Vice President Jessica Alupo applauded AMDA for bringing services closer to the people. She said the initiative complements government efforts to extend services to vulnerable populations, including women, children and the youth.

Alupo also commended AMDA for addressing community challenges in education and healthcare, with special emphasis on specialised services, noting that such efforts help build a resilient and prosperous population.

She urged residents to take advantage of the services, especially in health.

“To the beneficiaries, my people of Nyabwina and the surrounding areas, I encourage you to fully utilise the services being brought to you and to continue embracing practices that promote health, well-being, and community development,” Alupo said.

At the event, which was attended by a cross-section of stakeholders including area Members of Parliament, religious leaders and ministers, Alupo donated sh10m, while the internal affairs minister Kahinda Otafire, also contributed sh10m, among other donations.