Written By | BK Mugizi
Construction of the block began about two years ago following a fundraising drive at the school presided over by Alupo
Search
SHEEMA
Masheruka Girls Secondary School in Sheema District has appealed to the Government and well-wishers for financial and infrastructural support to complete the Jessica Alupo Science and Administration Block to improve science education for girls.
The school's headteacher, Marion Ashaba, said the existing laboratories were no longer adequate to accommodate the growing student population and meet the practical requirements of the competence-based curriculum.
She made the appeal on Sunday, October 11, 2026, during a visit to the school by Vice-President Jessica Alupo, who was represented by Internal Affairs Minister Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu.
Founded in 1980 by West Ankole Diocese, the school has experienced significant growth in enrolment, with the number of students increasing from 290 to more than 1,300 in less than five years, according to Ashaba.
Laboratories overwhelmed
Ashaba said the growing student population and increased emphasis on practical learning had placed considerable pressure on the school's existing science facilities.
"With the competence-based curriculum and the promotion of sciences, the laboratories are no longer adequate. Promoting the girl child is our goal," she said.
She identified completion of the science block as one of the school's most urgent priorities, noting that the available funds were insufficient to finish the project.
"If you asked me what I want done, it is the completion of the Alupo Science Block. It is one of the projects that is giving us a headache. The funds aren't enough, and any support that will enable us to complete the block is our earnest prayer and request," Ashaba said.
Construction of the block began about two years ago following a fundraising drive at the school presided over by Alupo. The school subsequently decided to name the facility after the Vice-President in recognition of her support.
Ashaba said the school also needed assistance to expand its computer centre to improve students' access to computers and strengthen their digital skills.
She added that the school was committed to producing responsible, morally upright and self-motivated girls who could contribute positively to society.
Ashaba thanked Alupo for her continued support, saying the school had received assistance whenever its leaders approached her for help.
Government pledges support
Kamuntu commended the school for promoting girls' education, describing it as essential to national development.
"Girls' education is a fundamental pillar of civilisation. Girls are the mothers of the nation, and when you educate girls, you help the whole nation," he said.
He assured the school that outstanding government pledges towards its infrastructure projects would be honoured.
"Everything that the Government promised, including roofing materials for the Jessica Alupo Science Block, will be provided. Once the project reaches the roofing stage, the roofing materials will be supplied," Kamuntu said.
He also delivered a financial contribution from the Third Deputy Prime Minister, Rukia Nakadama, and advised the school administration to document outstanding government pledges, including one for a school bus, to facilitate follow-up.
Leaders back science block
Sheema North MP and former Health Minister Dr Elioda Tumwesigye said he had personally contributed Shs10m towards the construction of the science block.
He urged the Ministry of Education to explore government school expansion programmes that could support the renovation of older classroom structures alongside the development of modern science facilities.
Sheema District Woman MP Adrine Mwebesa commended the school administration for prioritising modern science facilities for girls.
She also urged the students to protect their lives and make good use of the educational opportunities available to them.
Road infrastructure appeal
Ashaba appealed to the Government to prioritise the construction and tarmacking of the Kabwohe–Nyakambu–Nsiika road, saying the project would improve access to the school and give it a competitive advantage.
"We appeal to the Vice-President to lobby for the construction of the Kabwohe–Nyakambu road whenever she has the opportunity. If the road is opened up, the school will gain a significant competitive advantage," she said.
The road connects Sheema, Buhweju and Mbarara districts.
Tumwesigye said local leaders were preparing to host President Yoweri Museveni in Sheema District later this month and intended to remind him of his pledge concerning the road.
