The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has commissioned Ruhengyere Army Primary School in Kayonza Parish, Kikatsi Sub-county, Nyabushozi County, Kiruhura District, as part of efforts to improve access to quality education for soldiers' families and surrounding communities.
The school is among UPDF educational institutions under the Special Forces Command (SFC) established to bring essential services closer to military personnel and communities around army installations.
The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Brig. Gen. Richard Karemire, the Joint Staff for Formal Education, Sports and Culture at UPDF.
Karemire commended the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for supporting initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of soldiers and their families, particularly in education.
"The construction of this entire school campus would not have been possible without the support of our CDF, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who has consistently emphasized the welfare of soldiers and their families, including supporting education initiatives," Karemire said.
He also praised the leadership of the Special Forces Command for dedicating resources towards the development of UPDF schools.
Karemire said Ruhengyere Army Primary School is among 53 educational institutions established by the UPDF to provide quality education, mainly for children of soldiers, allowing their parents to focus on their duty of defending the country.
He, however, noted that the schools also serve neighbouring communities, with civilian pupils currently forming the majority of learners at Ruhengyere Army Primary School.
"That is not a problem because, ultimately, we are educating Ugandans," he said.
According to Karemire, the commissioning of the school reflects the commitment of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and the UPDF towards addressing challenges affecting army schools, including inadequate infrastructure, learning materials, and staffing.
He added that the UPDF will continue working with the Ministry of Education and Sports to improve learning conditions in military-founded schools.
The Chairperson of the School Management Committee and Commander of the Commando Brigade, Col. CK Masembe, said the school was established in 2022 by Maj. (Rtd) Julius Bamanya, then PC 2IDTS.
Masembe explained that the school initially operated from a cookhouse, temporary structures, and under tree shades before the UPDF Directorate of Formal Education, Sports and Culture took over its management in 2023.
He said the Chief of Joint Staff later directed the Special Forces Command leadership to identify a suitable location for the school, leading to the construction of the current facilities.
The school head teacher, WOII Lubyayi, said the institution has experienced rapid growth due to the commitment of the SFC Education Desk and UPDF leadership towards improving standards in army schools.
He said construction of the classroom blocks started in December 2025 and was completed in January 2026. The school currently has three classroom blocks—two with two classrooms each and one with three classrooms—alongside an administration block.
Lubyayi also highlighted the school's academic progress, noting that out of seven candidates who sat the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) last year, two attained First Grade while five obtained Second Grade.
He added that the school currently has ten Primary Seven candidates expected to perform well in this year's examinations.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by the SFC Director of Education, Sports and Culture, Col. Gilbert Owamagyezi; Commander of 3 Domisha Brigade, Lt. Col. Gabriel Lomongin; senior and junior officers, community leaders, political representatives, and parents.
