The House of Zakat, in collaboration with Salaam Charity and Iqra, has officially broken ground for a state-of-the-art classroom block at Kishuro Muslim Primary School in Birere Subcounty, Isingiro District.
The facility is being constructed in memory of the late Annas Kaliisa, founder of House of Zakat and a respected educationist.
Valued at over Shs600 million, the project is expected to significantly improve the quality of the learning environment for pupils in the rural community.
It will replace aging infrastructure and introduce modern education facilities aimed at equipping learners with skills relevant to the digital era.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, Ibrahim Matovu, Head of Education at House of Zakat, said the initiative goes beyond physical infrastructure and seeks to establish a comprehensive learning environment.
"Our intent is to provide a comprehensive seven-classroom block that includes a library and a fully equipped computer lab," Matovu said.
"To ensure a conducive environment for both learners and staff, the project will also include modern sanitary facilities with separate toilet blocks for boys, girls, and teachers," he added.
The ceremony also highlighted efforts to promote academic excellence and expand access to education opportunities. Karim Kaliisa, Managing Director of Salaam Charity, introduced a top-performing student who will benefit from a scholarship program supported by the House of Zakat.
"We are proud to present this young girl who scored an impressive 19 points in her exams. As a reward for her hard work and a testament to our commitment to girl-child education, she will be sponsored by the House of Zakat to pursue further studies in Malaysia. This in memory of Dr. Annas Kaliisa the founder of House of Zakat," Kaliisa said.
The project received backing from the Minister of State for Animal Industry and Member of Parliament for Isingiro North, Bright Rwamirama, who attended the event and contributed Shs10 million towards construction.
He praised the initiative as a strong example of private sector support complementing government efforts in improving education infrastructure, particularly in underserved rural areas.
"I want to thank the House of Zakat and the partners for this initiative. I on behalf of government, pledged a strong commitment to support the cause, ensuring that Kishuro Muslim Primary School becomes a model institution in the region," Rwamirama said.
"I will mobilise my friends and we make the classrooms nine instead of seven. Since the two already are specifically for computer lab and Library," he added.
Uganda continues to face challenges in maintaining adequate school infrastructure, especially in rural districts where overcrowding, limited facilities, and inadequate sanitation remain persistent issues.
Government programs such as Universal Primary Education have expanded access, but gaps in quality and infrastructure persist, often requiring intervention from development partners and private organizations.
The House of Zakat project reflects a growing trend of community-driven and faith-based initiatives stepping in to bridge these gaps.
By integrating digital learning spaces such as computer laboratories alongside traditional classrooms, the project aligns with broader national goals of enhancing digital literacy among young learners.
Residents of Birere Subcounty welcomed the development with optimism, describing it as a transformative investment in the future of their children.
Community members expressed hope that the improved facilities will not only enhance academic performance but also attract more pupils to the school.
As construction gets underway, stakeholders say the success of the project could serve as a model for similar interventions across the region, demonstrating how partnerships between charitable organizations, local leaders, and communities can accelerate progress in the education sector.
Tags: House of Zakat, Salaam Charity, Isingiro District, education infrastructure, Uganda schools, rural education, Bright Rwamirama
