In Summary: Kamuli Municipality MP Mastula Namatovu has committed Shs35 million towards feeding 2,603 PLE, UCE and UACE candidates in 45 schools, providing 7,000 kilogrammes of rice and other food supplies to support learners during the examination period.
Kamuli, Uganda — Kamuli Municipality MP Mastula Namatovu has injected Shs35 million into the feeding of 2,603 Primary Leaving Examination (PLE), Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) candidates in her constituency, urging them to remain focused and work towards excellent results.
The welfare package, which includes 7,000 kilogrammes of rice and other food supplies, is intended to support candidates in 45 primary and secondary schools during the examination period.
Namatovu urged the learners to believe in themselves, remain calm, avoid overconfidence and keep away from distractions as they sit their examinations, saying their focus should be on securing their future through education.
“To you our candidates, as you put in your efforts and minds to your studies, this comes to wish you that you do your examinations in a brilliant manner and God bless you with outstanding and remarkable performance,” a success card accompanying the welfare package read.
The MP said her personal journey through education, student leadership and youth councils had given her an appreciation of the pressure candidates face during examinations, as well as the financial challenges parents encounter in providing for their children.
She said the intervention was intended to ease the burden on families and supplement the feeding budgets of schools during the examination period.
“Exam time needs good feeding and I bought 7,000 kgs of rice and other assortments for the 2,603 candidates in PLE, UCE and UACE (Primary 7, S.4 and S.6) candidates one to share my success wishes with them, two to top up the school strained budget and third to help my parents (voters) especially those in Primary contribute to the candidates examination days welfare,” Namatovu explained.
She also challenged schools to develop strong institutional cultures and identities that expose learners to different opportunities, help them identify and nurture their talents, and provide holistic education.
Namatovu further pledged to take advantage of the Speaker of Parliament’s call to take Parliament to communities by bringing Parliament’s netball, football and Children’s Forum activities to Kamuli Girls Boarding School. The proposed activities would include exchange games and interactions intended to inspire learners.
She urged parents to continue supporting candidates throughout the examination period and maintain care, discipline and protection after the examinations, particularly for girls.
Namatovu warned against allowing learners to drop out of school after receiving their results because of early marriage, teenage pregnancy or pressure to take up casual jobs.
Speaking on behalf of the municipality’s PLE candidates, Kamuli Girls Boarding School Head Prefect and Kamuli District Children’s Council Speaker Hope Innhesiko commended the MP for supporting the candidates and boosting their confidence ahead of the examinations.
“Honorable, you are not only our inspiration OG because records here at Kamuli Girls show that you were the third best candidate in the district in PLE and you went to Nabisunsa, led Uganda national Students Association, Youth Council and when you became MP, Mama Kadaga handed us to you. The PLE candidates appreciate this big, important success card in terms of food and we shall repay you with good performance,” Innhesiko said.
A parent with three children sitting examinations, one in O-Level and two in Primary Seven, said the intervention had eased the financial pressure on families that would otherwise have contributed towards feeding candidates during the examination period.
The parent, who requested anonymity, said the food supplies would help learners remain comfortable and settled as they revise and sit their papers.
“What Mastu Ekiduma Kito has done is a lasting contribution with great impact far beyond what we the parents are able to give to our children at this material time. We don’t regret electing her and it is a challenge for parents to support their children and schools not waiting for government,” the parent said.
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