By Brian Atuhura
Masindi District has officially handed over secondary school infrastructure worth over UGX 4 billion, marking a major step in expanding access to quality secondary education in the district.
The facilities were constructed under the government's Seed Secondary school program and handed over to Kinumi Community Seed Secondary school in Miirya Sub-County and St.Andrea Kaahwa Seed Secondary school in Labongo Sub-County.
Presiding over the handover ceremony held on Tuesday,the Member of Parliament for Buruli County,Hon.Aled Ronald Akugizibwe,said the projects were aimed at addressing long standing gaps in access to secondary education, especially in rural communities where learners have been forced to walk long distances to attend school.
Hon.Akugizibwe commended SEMWO Construction Company limited for delivering the projects within a short time frame while maintaining acceptable quality standards.He also credited the district leadership and technical teams for providing the coordination and oversight that enabled timely completion.
Beyond the school infrastructure, the MP highlighted the urgent need for improved road connectivity to support education, service delivery and economic activity.He pledged to lobby central government to upgrade key district roads including Kisindizi-Kinumi-Katagurukwa, Pakanyi-Nyakarongo and Kijunjubwa -Kitamba, noting that Masindi District maintains over 431 kilometers of roads despite receiving limited road funding.
Masindi District Chairperson, Cosmas Byaruhanga, described the handover as a reflection of results oriented leadership, noting that in his first term alone,Hon.Akugizibwe has successfully lobbied for four Seed Secondary schools including St.Pauls Secondary school Pakanyi, Kijunjubwa Community Seed Secondary school, Kinumi Community Seed Secondary school and St.Andrea Seed Secondary school.
Byaruhanga urged parents and guardians to enroll more learners in the new schools so that government investments translate into tangible outcomes.He added that the facilities will be equipped with ICT infrastructure and functional science laboratories, enhancing teaching and learning standards.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Samuel Ruhweza Kaija assured the community that the staffing gaps will soon be addressed, revealing that government plans to recruit about 30 teachers and support staff for Kinumi and St.Andrea Kaahwa Seed Secondary schools between June and July this year.He encouraged volunteer teachers to apply when the recruitment process opens and advised school management committees to prioritize security and proper maintenance of the facilities.
Meanwhile, the Acting District Engineer Alfred Ocen,noted that although the projects have been handed over,the contractor remains responsible for addressing minor defects during a 12 month defects liability period,in line with government construction guidelines.
Construction works at both schools were undertaken by SEMWO Construction Company limited between 2024 and 2025,with the completed facilities expected to significantly improve learning conditions and retention of students in the beneficiary communities.