Kamuli, Uganda: The First Deputy Prime Minister and Kamuli District Woman MP Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga has urged government to prioritise teachers’ accommodation, welfare and learners’ safety to safeguard the gains of Universal Education.
Kadaga made the call on Monday while fulfilling her 2023 pledge of 20 double-decker beds to Kamuli Girls Boarding Primary School, following a fire outbreak that gutted Bungu House dormitory on October 14, 2023.
“We are humbled that the headteacher, because she is a mother, has provided staff accommodation, welfare and learners’ wellbeing; no doubt the results are very impressive. Government should therefore invest in teachers’ accommodation so that teachers do not come late with learners when they all come from outside the school,” Kadaga said.
She emphasised that improved staff housing enhances punctuality, supervision and overall learner safety, particularly in boarding institutions.
Talent Development and Life Skills
Kadaga also challenged schools to deliberately identify and nurture learners’ talents, citing initiatives such as Kamuli Girls TV, Kamuli Boys Writers Club “The Cockroaches,” scouting, guiding, debating, advocacy clubs and school gardening projects.
“Schools should nurture talents, promote life skills and make learners relevant to societal needs. When young girls begin their own local TV and news broadcasts that are well researched and informative, they should be supported,” she added.
She urged parents to prioritise their daughters’ education, warning of vulnerabilities facing young girls and encouraging families to rediscover strong parenting values, open communication and exposure to opportunities.
“Kamuli Girls, you now have a representative in Parliament, Mastula Namatovu, an Old Girl. Use her effectively to give girls a voice and follow up on issues like the free provision of sanitary pads in schools,” Kadaga said.
School Leadership Praises Support
Headteacher Joy Kasana Muwanika hailed Kadaga as a champion and role model for girls’ education. “Mama Kadaga, you are an inspiration to our girls. You always prioritise children and today you have surprised us with additional beds,” she said.
Kasana noted that the school’s focus is to nurture girls with dignity through wholesome education, participatory leadership and advocacy.
During a children’s TV broadcast presentation, pupils congratulated Kadaga for her continued support, including donations of iron sheets, livestock and facilitating opportunities for children to present petitions in Parliament.
“We are proud of you as our own because you have given us a forum to present children’s petitions in Parliament. We congratulate you and wish you the best position of your choice,” the pupils said.
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