The government of Japan and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) administration have signed a sh 500m grant contract to construct a state-of-the-art classroom block to accommodate learners at Nakivubo Blue Primary School.

The planned facility shall have among other facilities including washrooms, and latrines to cater to the increasing numbers of learners at the government-aided school.

Nakivubo is one of the 79 public schools constructed in the 1930s by the British colonialists. 

Agnes Kabarisa Mugisha, the head teacher of Nakivubo Blue Primary School revealed that old buildings which were constructed with asbestos were in a dire state and needed rehabilitation.

Japan ambassador Fakuzawa Hidemoto and the Kampala ministry team led by Minsa Kabanda and Dorothy Kisaka meeting before contract signing (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba

“That building was condemned by KCCA physical planning but we were using it because we had no choice and children were sitting in that classroom because they had no choice,” she said.

There are only two rooms but we are now going to construct five classrooms which shall help us reduce congestion and add value to the school, Kabarisa added during the contract signing on Tuesday.

According to Fakuzawa Hidemoto, the ambassador of Japan in Uganda, the grant assistance for the construction of a classroom block is part of the grassroots human security projects (GGP) programme for the fiscal year 2023/2024.

Japan ambassador Fakuzawa Hidemoto and the Kampala Minister Minsa Kabanda shaking hands after the sh500m grant contract signing for Nakivubo Blue Primary School (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

“The ratio of children using classrooms at Nakivubo Blue Primary School is very wide with one classroom to 100 pupils and I hope the environment will be better for the kids after construction because kids are the future of Uganda,” he said.

He tasked KCCA to take good care of existing infrastructural facilities especially schools, roads and health facilities even if they are old because it gives us courage and morale to keep supporting Uganda.

Hidemoto promised to revisit Nakivubo to see the progress of construction to make sure that it is done on time.

Kampala Central Division mayor Salim Uhuru said that identification of the school was selectively done depending on the most dilapidated structures.

“Before Nakivubo was selected, we led a team from the Japanese embassy and toured many schools including Kitante Primary School but they zeroed in on the most vulnerable. I am happy that we are here today to sign the contract for the construction,” he added.

We assure you that we shall take good care of the school because it is a necessity in our division for it serves a bigger population of parents working in Owino, Usafi markets and Kampala Old Taxi Park which accommodates hundreds of thousands of traders.

The Minister for Kampala Capital City Authority, Minsa Kabanda expressed jo0y saying that the facility shall help the settlement to decongest classrooms due to the increasing number of learners per year.

Kabanda pledged to compel the KCCA education team to maintain the facility for generations to use it in educating their grandchildren.

The Executive Director for Kampala city, Dorothy Kisaka, commended the collaborative efforts between the Japanese Embassy and local authorities, stating, "This donation is an example of what can be achieved through international cooperation. It goes beyond bricks and mortar; it represents an investment in the dreams and aspirations of the young minds that will benefit from these enhanced facilities."