The State Minister for Higher Education, Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, has called on all stakeholders including parents, the church, and district leaders to ensure that every school-going child is in class, saying government is investing heavily to improve education across the country.
Dr. Muyingo made the remarks while commissioning newly constructed infrastructure at St. John’s Nalongo Secondary School and St. Andrew Kaggwa SS Kasaala in Butuntumula Sub-county, Luweero District.
The facilities, built under the UGIFT Project, include fully furnished classroom blocks, multipurpose halls, science laboratories, libraries, computer labs, teachers’ houses, and latrines.
St. John’s Nalongo received infrastructure worth Shs 2.83 billion, while St. Andrew Kaggwa benefited from Shs 3.38 billion.
“Government has equipped these schools with everything they need, computers, water tanks, books in the library, and decent accommodation for teachers and students. Let us make good use of this development,” Muyingo said.
The minister encouraged students and teachers to take responsibility for the new facilities, stay focused on their education, and avoid negative influences during the long holiday.
He also cautioned head teachers against sending learners home over unpaid fees especially that agreed upon by PTA to aid in running the school, emphasizing that it is the responsibility of parents not children to meet school financial obligations.
He further urged parents to raise God-fearing children who respect cultural values and ensure consistent school attendance.
Representing the LC5 Chairperson, area district councillor Isaac Wampamba applauded government for expanding education infrastructure in the area.
He noted that many girls had previously ended their education at P.7 and resorted to early marriage because the nearest secondary schools were in distant Nakasongola.
Moses Dumba, the headteacher of St. John’s Nalongo, thanked the Luwero Diocese for donating land that made the construction possible.
He, however, requested government to provide additional equipment, especially more computers, to further strengthen learning.
The commissioning marks a major step in widening access to quality secondary education in Luweero District.