MPs allocate Shs 15 billions towards renovation of govt schools

Parliament’s education and sports committee has allocated Shs 15 billion towards the renovation of traditional government schools across the country.

In the committee report presented by the chairperson, John Twesigye Ntamuhiira, MPs noted that a number of traditional schools in different parts of the country are grappling with both dilapidated and inadequate infrastructures.

The committee added that the schools also have a high number of students and urgently need government support in order to meet the basic minimum standards of quality education. MPs across the political divide supported the need to urgently renovate the traditional schools.

Buhweju County MP, Francis Mwijukye noted that the Shs 15 billion is still inadequate, saying that the state of the schools is embarrassing.

“There are many budget cuts in the education sector, we were told of securing our future…how is this future going to be secured? How are we going to progress steadily when there is no money in education?” Mwijukye asked.

Mbale City Woman MP, Connie Galiwango said education is a key aspect of development adding that there is a need to support the sector with a better budget.

“For education to be affordable, we need to talk about performance, teacher salary enhancement, and, regular inspection of schools. If we don’t educate our children, they will become thugs,” she said.

Kalungu West MP Joseph Ssewungu asked the ministries of Finance and Education to request a loan for the rehabilitation of all traditional schools.

“If you go to primary schools in our constituencies, it is MPs who are building toilets, putting doors, painting them. All our primary schools are condemned,” he said.

Joyce Moriku Kaducu, minister of State for Primary Education appreciated the allocation to the sector and called on the MPs to continue advocating for a better budget.

“When we don’t prioritize quality education, we shall not meet the international standards and our young people will not be competitive in the job market,” she said.