Use public office for grassroots growth, ex-speaker Butagira tells politicians

Several speakers at the function, including Rwampara district chairman Richard Owomugasho, praised Butagira’s contribution, saying he used his position as Speaker and Member of Parliament to lobby for the establishment of schools and other institutions in the district, including Bugamba Secondary School.

"When I finished my primary education, only three of us from my area made it to secondary school, Mbarara High School; the rest of the children didn’t make it because there were no schools around. That thing remained stuck in my mind, and I kept praying that if God ever gave me power, I would use it to ensure my home area gets institutions of learning, which I did,” he stated.

"It was terrible; our people would stop at P7 because we had no schools," he stated. "When I became Speaker of Parliament and MP for Mbarara West, I helped establish many of the schools around."

Reflecting on his contribution to education, Butagira highlighted the progress made under his leadership, including the establishment of nine schools and institutions.

He challenged students and parents in Rwampara to value education. He also commended Bugamba SS head teacher Robert Kihumuro Kijongoma for transforming the school, with enrolment increasing from 300 to 1,600 students.

Richard Owomugasho proposed that Bugamba SS be renamed Butagira in recognition of his contribution to the school and community.

In his speech, Bugamba Secondary School head teacher Robert Kihumuro Kijongoma commended the Government, parents and the alumni association for their continued support towards the institution’s development.

Kijongoma highlighted the collaborative efforts of the stakeholders, noting that their collective contributions had been vital in driving the school’s growth and infrastructural development.

Kihumuro appealed for increased support to fund the school’s upcoming infrastructure projects aimed at supporting growth and improving student welfare.

Rwampara district chairman, Richard Owomugasho (5th from right), former Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Ambassador Francis Butagira (3rd from right), head teacher of Bugamba Secondary School, Robert Kihumuro Kijongoma (last on right), after attending the reunion of Bugamba SS in Rwampara district. (Photo by Abdulkarim Ssengendo)

Speaking at the event, Kihumuro outlined a development plan to upgrade the school’s facilities. The planned campus expansion includes the construction of a new administration block, additional classrooms and modern staff quarters.

The plans also include the construction of new dormitories for both the boys’ and girls’ wings, aimed at reducing student congestion and improving living conditions.

John William Byaruhanga, a prominent member of the Bugamba Old Students and Well-wishers Association, and Prof. Wiston, chairman of the Bugamba SS board of governors, commended the school leadership and community for maintaining high standards of discipline and fostering unity.