Residents of Nyabuhikye Sub-county in Ibanda District are eagerly awaiting the completion and commissioning of Bwahwa Seed Secondary School, a government-funded project expected to improve access to education and contribute to socio-economic transformation in the area.
The school, which is currently at 97 percent completion, is expected to be handed over to the community by the end of June.
Construction works began in 2024 under the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers Programme (UgIFT) at a cost of Shs3.3 billion. The project is part of government efforts to expand access to secondary education, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.
Community members say the school is expected to reduce the burden of long-distance travel for learners while also creating new opportunities for local economic activity.
During a recent monitoring visit to assess progress and fast-track completion of the project, district leaders expressed optimism that the school will bring lasting change to the area.
Ibanda District Chairperson, Happy Herbert Mayanja, said residents have high expectations for the facility and believe it will extend benefits beyond education.
“The community is eagerly waiting for the completion of this school because they believe it will transform their lives socially and economically. Some residents will benefit through employment opportunities while others will get a market for their agricultural produce,” Mayanja said.
According to the project manager, Ben Kitandwe, major construction works are nearing completion and the contractor remains on schedule.
“The first phase of the project, which includes construction of the main structures, currently stands at 97 percent completion, while external works including stone pitching are at 95 percent. We expect to complete the project by June 30 before preparations for commissioning begin,” Kitandwe said.
Ibanda Resident District Commissioner Godfrey Mbetegyereize commended the progress and urged the contractor to maintain momentum to ensure timely completion.
“We appreciate the quality and pace of work being undertaken and expect the project to be completed on schedule so that learners and the community can begin benefiting from the facility,” he said.
Bwahwa Seed Secondary School is among several seed school projects underway in Ibanda District, with Kijongo Seed Secondary School also nearing completion and awaiting commissioning.
Government launched the Seed School programme in the 2018/2019 financial year under the UgIFT initiative, in partnership with the World Bank, to establish public secondary schools in sub-counties without such facilities.
The initiative supports Universal Secondary Education by expanding access to affordable and nearby secondary schooling for learners completing primary education.
For residents of Nyabuhikye, the completion of Bwahwa Seed Secondary School represents more than infrastructure—it is a long-awaited investment expected to expand access to education, employment, and community development.