KASSANDA: Mpanga Memorial School thrives under UPE, but grapples with limited resources

Kasanda, (UG):– The transformative impact of Uganda’s Universal Primary Education (UPE) program continues to yield remarkable impact in the country, the latest being Mpanga Memorial Primary School, a government aided school in Mayanzi Subcounty, Kasanda District.

Once a struggling institution with just 208 pupils, the school’s enrollment has over the past couple of years doubled to more than doubled to 483 students, a clear indication of how government’s free education policy is opening doors for children from all walks of life.

During his visit at the school on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, Mr. Kalema Wahab, the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) Coordinator for Kasanda District, had an interaction with the school’s administration, teachers, and local community leaders, who all expressed both excitement over the school’s growth and concerns about the pressing challenges that have come with it.

The head teacher highlighted the significance of UPE in increasing access to education saying; “The UPE program has been a game-changer for our community. Many parents who previously struggled to afford school fees can now send their children to school without financial strain. This has led to a surge in enrollment, which is a positive step for education in Kasanda,” he said.

Despite these gains, the school is grappling with serious challenges that threaten to derail its progress. The rapid increase in student numbers has stretched resources beyond capacity, with only eight teachers on the government payroll struggling to accommodate the growing demand for quality education.

“We are overwhelmed. Managing such a large number of pupils with limited staff is difficult. Teachers are overworked, and we need urgent reinforcement to maintain the quality of education,” the head teacher added.

Another major concern raised was lack of teachers’ quarters, which forces educators to travel long distances to and from school daily. This, in turn, affects their punctuality and consistency in teaching.

“Some of us commute over 10 kilometers to get here. When it rains, the roads become impassable, and it’s difficult to reach school on time. If we had accommodation nearby, our efficiency and commitment would improve,” said one of the teachers, who preferred to remain anonymous to this report.

The school is also facing a severe shortage of desks, forcing many pupils to either sit on the floor or squeeze together on shared benches.

A primary six pupil, speaking about the situation, shared, “It’s hard to concentrate when you have to sit on the floor for long hours. Sometimes we have to take turns using the desks, which affects how we follow the lessons.”

Mr. Kalema, after listening to the concerns raised, acknowledged the need for urgent action and promised to raised their pertinent issues to the concerned authorities, including his supervisor, the ONC Manager, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye.

“Mpanga Memorial Primary School is a testament to the power of UPE in transforming lives, but we must ensure that growth is supported with adequate resources. No child should have to learn in discomfort, and no teacher should have to struggle to do their job effectively. I will escalate these issues to the relevant authorities and push for solutions,” he said.

Kalema further urged parents and community members to play a role in supporting the school, noting that government intervention alone may not be enough. “While we work on getting more teachers, desks, and better infrastructure, I encourage the community to mobilize whatever support they can to ensure that these children continue learning in a decent environment. Education is a shared responsibility.”

With the right support, Kalema is optimistic that Mpanga Memorial School can easily become a beacon of academic excellence in the Greater Mubende Kasanda District.