Kyalimpa repairs machines, builds home for Jinja disabled pupils

 After training as Perkins Braille technician, Kenneth Kyalimpa doesn't just repair equipment for blind pupils. He also helps support children with disabilities and he has helped set up a home for children in Jinja. 

Kyalimpa, who is also the deputy head teacher in charge of Special Needs Education (SNE) at Spire Road Primary School in Jinja district, was recently recognised for his outstanding contribution in supporting students with disabilities by the Uganda National Association of the Blind. He started supporting the pupils with disabilities in 2016. 

Kyalimpa with trophies won from UNAB over the years. (Photo by George Bita)

He says, "The parents from humble communities that we have, who cannot even provide children with lunch, cannot purchase the Perkins Braille machines.

So I felt that having a technician to keep the few ones on location functional, would make a big difference," he argues.

Each machine costs about sh3m. 

Mike Mwoya, the headmaster echoes a similar view saying Kyalimpa has made the lives of the 57 pupils presently living with disabilities more comfortable.

"He is like the long-lost guardian whom they only come to know of while at school. Not only does he teach them but hurries to put right whatever machine that develops a mechanical fault," Mwoya adds.

He explains that Kyalimpa has established good links that have over the years seen the SNE sector at Spire Road PS get much-needed funding to exist as an almost semi-autonomous unit.

"Their department renamed Balitwegomba (They will admire us) complex is fenced off with own latrines, kitchen, dormitory and dining hall.  Much of the credit for the status quo lies with the resilient spirit of Kyalimpa," Mwoya affirms.

UPDF input

Wilson Bukayi, the school management committee chairperson narrates that after perusing through Kyalimpa's proposal, the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) chose to build a dormitory for the school.

"The multi-million structure was built during the army week in 2011. The UPDF engineering brigade camped here and within no time the building had taken shape," Bukayi reveals.

He says the structure was built and handed over without the school authorities contributing even a single coin.

He adds that the boys and girls occupy different sections of the expansive dormitory that also has a repair workshop and office.

"This is a great achievement for a Universal Primary Education (UPE) school whereby all other learners are day scholars. Initially, the disabled pupils who come from far off areas had been using an old classroom as a dormitory," Bukayi discloses.

Premises fenced

Kyalimpa narrates that after the UPDF had constructed the dormitory block, the Rotary club of Jinja came into fence off the premises.

"This was a vital step in ensuring the safety of children with various types of disabilities. They can now access the home via the two gates leading to the department," he says.

According to him, every time it rains, the children have to use the adjacent Spire road tarmac while going to and from classrooms so that they enter the home through a more secure gateway.

Food provisions

Kyalimpa appreciates the efforts of donors like Indian Association of Jinja, Eskom and Rotary Club for providing essential food rations for the home.

"Our kitchen never runs out of food courtesy of these selfless friends of ours. They ensure the children never go hungry," he claims.

Co-curricular contribution

Bukayi notes that Kyalimpa has worked with donors to set up swings and other play tools at the SNE department.

"The children are not only given academic work but also engage in co-curricular activities. Two years ago, they managed to get a trophy after participation in schools' sports at Kyomya Primary School," he says.

He says some of the disabled pupils have been taken up in the music and drama clubs of their respective classes.

Jonathan Kamwana, the education ministry assistant commissioner in charge of teacher training notes that teachers who impart all-round education are the best.

"A learner should not always be kept in the classroom. So a teacher like Kyalimpa who goes an extra mile to encourage co-curricular deserves credit," Kamwana argues.

Kyalimpa with Perkins Braille machines brought to his office for repair. (Photo by George Bita)

Community collaboration

Kyalimpa explains that as a technician, his skills are beneficial to the entire Jinja community and beyond.

"When people from the neighborhood have problems with their equipment they come for help. This makes me to be of use to the entire community," he says.

He adds that since the SNE sector has resident pupils, members of the community bring around items like oranges and jackfruit for sale which is mutually advantageous.

"As we get what to eat, the locals also get money to improve their livelihood. This also makes us recognize the value of good neighborliness," he says.

Kyalimpa notes that the matrons, cook and security guard come from the community which proves that the school is working well with the neighbors.

Eric Sakwa, the Jinja resident district commissioner hailed the school for having co-existed well with the community in a municipality.

Who is Kyalimpa?

1976- Obtained a Primary Leaving Certificate from Kabale Primary School

1980- Got an O' level certificate from Makobere High School

1985- Attained a Grade III teachers certificate from Rukungiri TTC

2004- Diploma in SNE from Kyambogo University

2009- Trained as a Perkins Braille technician by Uganda National Association of the Blind (UNAB) at Kyambogo.

What others say

 Scovia Nangobi, parent

When someone decides to take care of your child he or she becomes more like a second parent. I am glad Kyalimpa is that kind of person.

Julius Maloni, workmate at Spire Road Primary School SNE department

Kyalimpa is a good mentor and he encouraged me to pursue a course in SNE. He is one person who appreciates the input of all those working with him. 

Kyalimpa's four golden tips of success

• Discipline breeds success.

• Delegation of duty creates harmony.

• No man is an island.

• Hard work pays.