Mwiri college gets over 900 iron sheets to replace asbestos roofs

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Busoga College Mwiri, one of Uganda's oldest schools, has received a major boost to its infrastructure and safety with a donation of 939 corrugated iron sheets from ENABEL, the Belgian Development Agency.

The consignment, valued at approximately shillings 64 million, is earmarked for the replacement of hazardous asbestos roofing across the school's old structures.

ENABEL’s Julius Lukwago handed over the 939 iron sheets to the school management led by headteacher Peter Sibukule, at the school premises early November 2025. Sibukule was accompanied by his deputies, who included the Rev. Xavier Tino.

Safety initiative

The initiative is a critical step in removing the existing asbestos sheets, which pose significant health risks, including cancer, to the school community.

One of the teacher's quarters at Busoga College Mwiri which is going to be reroofed. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

The collaboration between the school and ENABEL began in early 2024, spearheaded by the persuasive efforts of the school's headmaster, Sibukule.

"I began lobbying for iron sheets to support removal of asbestos, aware of the dangers of asbestos," said the headmaster, adding that the iron sheets will be used for roofing and reroofing class building, and teacher’s quarters, especially those in bad shape, to improve academic standards of the school.

Sibukule confirmed that the school received a consignment of 939 iron sheets, Gauge 28, in maroon, which is the school's colour, and that they are going to be added to the 500 iron sheets already in store to bring the total number of iron sheets to 1,439.

"These iron sheets will go a long way in ensuring that the community of Mwiri is freed from the diseases that come with asbestos,” he said and thanked ENABEL for realising that Busoga College Mwiri needed support.

The headteacher expressed immense gratitude for the support, noting its significance given that the school fees is the only source of income of the school. He added that he began the journey as a person and was glad that the school has benefited immensely.

He also thanked the school's stakeholders, including the Board, PTA, and parents, for their prior involvement in the asbestos removal initiative.

Sibukule assured ENABEL that the sheets would be put to good use and not diverted or sold, adding that a visit for accountability is expected in two to three weeks.

Julius Lukwago from ENABEL confirmed the donation, stating that the agency's involvement was prompted by the Head Master's request to address the hazardous asbestos.

"We received a request from the Head Teacher regarding the hazardous asbestos in the school," said Lukwago.

Lukwago elaborated that initially, Sibukule requested for 500 sheets, but following an on-site assessment that revealed dangerous materials in many classrooms and structures, ENABEL significantly increased the donation to cover the full requirement.

"We are so excited to be supporting one of the oldest schools in the region," Lukwago added.

He highlighted the component of addressing environmental hazards as a key reason for ENABEL's commitment, noting that they aim to eliminate the asbestos and replace it with safer materials to protect students' health.

Busoga College Mwiri's headmaster Peter Sibukule (2nd right) gazing at the iron sheets that were donated by ENABEL at the school to replace asbestos, on November 6th. Looking on right is the deputy headteacher of the school Rev. Xavier Tino. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

Lukwago also highly praised Sibukule's persistent and effective lobbying skills, and mentioned that Mwiri's consignment is the largest delivered to any school in the region that ENABEL is supporting, calling it a big achievement for Sibukule and the entire Busoga College Mwiri community.

Local leaders laud the effort

Jinja District assistant chief administrative officer Daniel Butamanya acknowledged the donation, expressing optimism that the contribution would significantly improve the learning environment by eliminating asbestos.

Kakira town council LC3 chairperson Sande Charles Kabule and a member of the Busoga College Mwiri Board, echoed the appreciation, specifically crediting the Headmaster's efforts.

"This is the lobbying of the headmaster, we have had a very good headmaster and a lobbyist who is always not idling in the school, but who minds to see the school back at its glory," he stated.

The successful procurement and handover of the 939 iron sheets mark a significant stride towards enhancing the health and safety standards at Busoga College Mwiri, ensuring a safer and improved educational environment for its students. 

In March 2024, Uganda Baati supported Busoga College Mwiri with the removal of the old asbestos iron sheets on two staff quarters and replaced them with quality steel sheets.

Busoga College Mwiri was founded in 1913, making it one of the oldest schools in Uganda, and boasts a rich list of prominent alumni, including the late Apollo Milton Obote, former Prime Minister of Uganda, Ruhakana Rugunda, and the late Kirunda Kivejinja, among others.