Written By | Joshua Nahamya
Launch of two classroom block construction at Rucence Primary School in Rwobuyenje
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Mbarara City
Mbarara City authorities have officially launched the construction of two classroom blocks at Rucence and Rwobuyenje Primary Schools, totaling over Shs 250 million. The move is aimed at boosting enrollment and improving the learning environment in the South and North Divisions.
The Rucence Primary School project (South Division) was awarded to M/S Roshaka Investments Ltd at a cost of Shs 127,130,627, while the Rwobuyenje Primary School project (North Division) will be executed by M/S AOG Engineering Company Ltd for Shs 123,132,494. Both projects are expected to be completed within three months.
Launching the project
Strict Quality Control
City Engineer Andrew Baguma emphasized that the three-month timeline includes site clearance, substructure works, walling, roofing, and finishing with terrazzo flooring and glazed windows.
“What has brought us here is to launch the works… We are going to construct two classroom blocks and an office,” Eng. Baguma stated. “We shall ensure that quality work is delivered. The materials should be of good quality.”
City Town Clerk Justine Barekye took it a step further, empowering the local community to act as watchdogs.
“It does not require you to be an engineer to know that the sand being used is bad or that the bricks are of poor quality,” Barekye told the School Management Committee. “Eyes on, hands off. If cracks develop, it is you who will be affected. Do not fight with the contractor, but report any issues to our offices immediately.” 
Some of the people who turned up for the launch of the two classroom block at Rucence PS
Religious Neutrality in Education
Mbarara City South Division Mayor Jomo Mugabe warned parents against allowing religious affiliations to interfere with school progress. He noted that many parents bypass nearby schools to walk miles to institutions that match their faith, which he described as “dangerous to the nation.”
“Religion is meant to take us to heaven, but before going to heaven, we have to live here,” Mugabe noted. “For example, some Muslims may not accept a Catholic head teacher, even if he is capable of improving academic performance. We need to move away from that mindset.”
Teacher Welfare and Performance
Deputy Mayor Prisca Mulongo highlighted the dire conditions facing private school teachers, some of whom she claimed earn as little as Shs 70,000 per month—an amount she said is often consumed by transport costs.
“A teacher here receives Shs 70,000. When you deduct daily transport costs, they are left with nothing. This is one of the reasons why teachers leave this school,” Mulongo said.
She also noted that the lack of staff housing leads to chronic lateness, as many teachers commute from as far as Mile 8.
Deputy RCC Kankunda speaking
Trade Order and Security Concerns
The launch also served as a platform for Deputy Resident City Commissioners (RCCs) to address broader city issues. Gerald Tukamuhebwa (South) urged residents to embrace the ongoing “Trade Order” aimed at clearing the streets and relocating vendors to gazetted markets such as Rwebikona and Katete.
“It is not that we don’t want people to work, but we want them to work in an orderly manner,” Tukamuhebwa said. “The trade order will enable the city to collect the right taxes from the right traders.”
In the North Division, Deputy RCC Jackline Kankunda issued a stern warning regarding rising insecurity. She criticized Local Council (LC1) chairpersons for “sleeping” on the job and protecting criminal elements for political reasons.
“Security starts with your office. Let’s leave politics aside… If the son of so-and-so is a thief and also a voter, you don’t want to talk about him,” Kankunda stated. “The people terrorizing us at night are our own children. Because you don’t want them to be held accountable, you cover for them and even follow them to the police when they are arrested.”
Construction at the schools has already commenced, with Kankunda warning contractors that no budget extensions would be entertained.
“If you bid Shs 123 million, we don’t want to see you demanding Shs 160 million after three months. Three months is three months,” she said.
Despite the physical infrastructure improvements, officials acknowledged ongoing human resource challenges. Kankunda thanked the school management and the church for sustaining the institutions under difficult conditions.
“I want to thank the school management committee, the head teacher, and the church for sustaining the school despite the challenges,” Kankunda noted.
Regarding understaffing, she added, “We pledge that the government is working on measures to address this issue. So, head teacher, be patient; more support will come as the government continues to recruit.”
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