The First Lady of Uganda Janet Kataaha Museveni who holds the position of Minister of Education and Sports announced a nationwide plan to refurbish both the construction and expansion of traditional public secondary schools within Uganda.
The plan exists within the Inter-Government Fiscal Transfer (UgIFT) project to bring renewed life to historical institutions which formed Uganda’s leadership and professional development framework.
Mrs. Museveni celebrated these important institutions when she attended the commissioning of new Ruhaama Secondary School facilities in Ntungamo District.
The government implemented a renovation project for traditional public schools since these institutions educated many prominent citizens of Uganda and it is crucial to restore their legacy through expansion and development.
At Ruhaama Secondary School the successful partnership between UgIFT and private sector organizations was displayed during the event. The UgIFT project provided Shs1.9 billion to the school which Tororo Cement LTD supported through additional financial contributions. The funds will support the school in building new classrooms together with science laboratories and other fundamental facilities to provide students with better learning spaces.
During the meeting, Mrs Museveni explained why financial obstacles blocked the development of the initiative. She disclosed that the Anti-Homosexuality Law implementation caused the suspension of specific international funding.
The funding situation has improved due to recent political developments in donor nations which allows the renovation project to follow the previously established plan.
She expressed appreciation for the funding situation by saying “Today those nations have chosen leaders who oppose homosexuality therefore our programs can continue according to our initial design.”
The First Lady affirmed that the government plans to develop new seed schools in underdeveloped sub-counties together with efforts to restore traditional educational institutions. She maintained that Uganda should maintain educational institutions which have historically advanced national development while simultaneously creating new opportunities for access to education.
The UgIFT program aims to build a total of 259 schools that serve sub-county areas without government secondary institutions. The project spans three development stages starting with 117 schools where 110 have been finished while the following stage involves 92 commissions and the last phase will construct 27 additional institutions. The targeted expansion strategy works to distribute good quality educational standards evenly throughout all parts of the country.
To finish her address Mrs. Museveni requested that students together with their communities support their traditional educational institutions. She advised students and communities to maintain the traditional values and high standards that make these institutions outstanding educational facilities in Uganda.
The Ugandan government underlines its educational development plan through this initiative by understanding that maintaining educational heritage remains essential for developing skilled future leaders.
