Government has launched the construction of Nyarugabo Seed Secondary School in Hoima City West, a project valued at Shs3.4 billion aimed at improving access to secondary education in the area.
The project, which is expected to be completed within 12 months, has been contracted to Bam Construction and Surveyors Limited.
Speaking during the political handover ceremony at the school site in Nyarugabo Ward, Hoima City West, the Hoima City Resident Commissioner Badru Mugabi said the project is part of the government’s plan to establish at least one secondary school in every sub-county and a primary school in every parish.
Mugabi acknowledged that Hoima City West already has government secondary schools, including St Andrea Secondary School and Duhaga Secondary School, but said their locations make access difficult for some learners.
“We are aware that within Hoima City West there are already two government secondary schools, St Andrea Secondary School and Duhaga Secondary School, but they are far away. That is why government found it necessary to establish another secondary school here,” he said.
He urged parents and community members to embrace the project and prepare their children to take advantage of the new facility once completed.
“It would be painful for a secondary school to be established here and children in this area fail to attend. This school has come to improve education opportunities, so let us embrace it,” Mugabi said.
The Hoima City Mayor, Edward Isingoma, assured the contractor of cooperation from city authorities and the community to ensure the project is completed on time.
“This is a welcome project for the city. We will do whatever it takes to ensure the contractor has a conducive working environment and can access the manpower needed from the local community,” Isingoma said.
The Hoima City West Mayor, Julius Kyomuhendo, welcomed the development, saying it marks progress in improving social services within his area.
Kyomuhendo noted that many learners previously had to travel long distances to Hoima City or Kikuube District to access free secondary education.
“Our students had to trek long distances to either Hoima City or Kikuube to access free secondary education. It has been challenging, but the coming of this school will relieve my people,” he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Bam Construction and Surveyors Limited, Benard Waka , said although the project was technically handed over in March, a political handover was organised to enable residents to understand the government’s commitment to expanding public infrastructure.
He said the project will include 10 building structures, including an administration block, multipurpose hall and classrooms, as well as six ventilated improved pit latrines.
“The project will last 12 months. We have undertaken similar works in other districts, and we are committed to delivering on time,” Waka said.
The new school is expected to ease pressure on existing secondary schools and increase access to affordable education for learners in Hoima City West and surrounding areas.