BUKOMANSIMBI: ONC Coordinators pledge to push support for govt school ravaged by storm

Bukomansimbi, (UG):- A delegation from Presidenti Museveni’s Office of the National Chairman (ONC) in Greater Masaka yesterday, Monday, February 24, conducted an inspection on some of the government schools in Bukomansimbi District to assess the efficiency of service delivery and challenges that may be arising.

During the visit, the team led by Nakeeya Hellen, the ONC Regional Coordinator, accompanied by Mr Kato Nsaso, the ONC District Coordinator for Bukomansimbi, and Mr. Mutebi, the Inspector of Schools visited Kabandiko Primary School in Makukulu Parish, Kitanda Sub-County, a tour that yielded a mix of commendable progress and pressing concerns requiring urgent intervention.

With a student population of 518 learners under the guidance of 10 government teachers, Kabandiko PS has consistently demonstrated commendable academic performance. In the previous year, the school recorded first-grade performances, a feat that earned it a six-million-shilling grant from the government as a token of recognition and support for its excellence.

However, despite its academic success, the school grapples with significant infrastructural challenges. A recent devastating storm ripped off the roof of one of the classroom buildings while lessons were ongoing.

In the unfortunate incident, one student sustained a broken leg, highlighting the urgent need for structural reinforcements, but despite this setback, the school administration remains grateful for the government’s previous intervention in constructing two new classroom blocks, which stood firm against the heavy rains.

The ONC delegation further identified several critical issues during their assessment, including insufficient classrooms to accommodate the growing student population, lack of adequate housing for teachers, making it difficult to attract and retain qualified staff, staffing shortages with more teachers needed to maintain the school’s performance, and inadequate furniture, particularly chairs, for both students and teachers.

Speaking after the visit, the ONC Regional Coordinator, Ms Nakeeya, acknowledged the school’s struggles and assured stakeholders that immediate steps would be taken to address them. “We are committed to ensuring that the needs of Kabandiko Primary School are met,” she stated.

“I will escalate these issues to our supervisor, SPA/PA Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, so that she can engage His Excellency the President for further intervention and support,” Nakeeya added.

The ONC team reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the government in ensuring that quality education is offered in the region and a conducive learning environment for all students.