Leaders of Mbarara City South Division have commissioned projects that were implemented and completed in the financial year 2022/2023.  

The projects include the sh32m roofing of a six-classroom block at Nyamityobora Primary School, the construction of a five-stance pit latrine at Ruti Muslim Primary School to the tune of sh26m and the sh86m construction of two classroom blocks with desks at Nyakahanga Primary School. 

Robert Kanusu, the Deputy Resident Commissioner for Mbarara City North who represented his counterpart Moses Ariho for Mbarara City South, commended leaders in the division for having reached out to schools plagued by lack of space for pupils and poor sanitation. 

“Having a good environment for these pupils to learn well is very key to promoting education. It is now up to the teachers to ensure that these facilities are well utilised and focus much on improving the performance of these pupils,” urged Kanusu. 

At Nyakahanga Primary School in Bugashe Ward, despite the fact that they received a two-classroom block, they still have a challenge of furniture in classrooms. 

The team found that some classrooms have one or two desks whereas other pupils sit on the floor with tarpaulins. 

Primary two classroom at Nyakahanga Primary school which has only two twin desks and other pupils sit on the floor.

“We have always had a challenge with classrooms and furniture to an extent that during exams, pupils sit in shifts and this inconveniences us so much. We are thankful to the government that now we have a new block with desks but we still need more,” said Jonah Sebusu the Nyakahanga Primary School headmaster.  

Sebusu added that since the school is located in a hilly place, they don’t have access to clean water for pupils and have no playground for pupils to engage in sports.  

Didus Muhanguzi, clerk for Mbarara City South Division, said that they are aware of the state in which most government schools are. 

The look of one of the classroom blocks at Nyakahanga primary school in Bugashe ward in Mbarara City South division.

“Remember, we work on a budget and we cannot address all the needs of our people. We shall try to put much emphasis and focus on the education and health sectors plus making our area a garbage-free city,” he said.  

Muhanguzi implored school administrators to take on the oversight role in ensuring that pupils do not vandalise the newly commissioned facility, but rather use them for the intended purposes.