Kabalega old boys organise cancer screening for residents 

PIC: Students of Kabalega Secondary School attending classes at school. (Credit: Pascal Kwesiga) 

REVIVING THE SCHOOL

Several traditional schools are on the verge of collapse. Some cannot stand competition from private schools and have failed to attract substantial numbers of students to keep them afloat. 

But Kabalega Secondary School in Masindi is exceptional. The old boys of the school have over the past few years undertaken a series of activities to revive the glory of the former academic giant in the country. The effort is paying off. 

The school's student population is recovering, and the institution's laboratory  and library are being restocked. 

As part of a long term campaign to turnaround the school and giving back to the community, the alumni, will on Friday, launch a three-day health camp at the institution located in the heart of Masindi town. 

The old boys under the umbrella body - Kabalega Secondary School Old Boys' Association (KASSOBA), will also give the school textbooks worth about sh5m. 

According to Daniel Bagambe, the KASSOBA Masindi chapter chair, the textbooks have been purchased by the association's members. 

The prime minister of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Andrew Byakutaga, also an old boy of the school, is expected to preside over the handover of the textbooks and launch of the health camp. 

The association has been running radio adverts in the region, urging the people to turn up in large numbers to receive various free health services during the camp that will run from June 29 to July 1. The services will be delivered by health professionals who studied at Kabalega SS. 

"We have been working with a number of stakeholders, including the Masindi district local government and the school's administration, to organise this camp," Bagambe stated.

The services which will be delivered during the health camp include screening for prostate, cervical and breast cancers, screening for hepatitis, syphilis, dental examination, family planning, HIV testing and blood pressure testing . Other services will include health rights awareness, body mass index and diabetes tests. The people will also be encouraged to donate blood during the event.

"We want to appreciate the community for hosting our school and supporting us during our time at Kabalega. We also want to encourage students that they can get to where we are through Kabalega SS," Bagambe added.

Alfred Kusiima, also an alumnus of the school, said its alumni have written a three-year strategic plan that will guide their interventions at the school. 

"We are already sponsoring some bright students at the school and have conducted career guidance for students. We are setting up various KASSOBA committees and will continue promoting the school and participating in revitalising its performance," he added.

Philip Kihumuro, also an alumnus, said the health camp and other interventions are also aimed at trying to demonstrate to the community the value of education.