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Minister Rafael Magyezi hands over shillings 27M cash to the school management committee
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Sheema District, Uganda – Vice President Major (Rtd) Jessica Alupo has made a generous contribution of UGX 27 million towards the construction of a modern science laboratory and administration block at Masheruka Girls Secondary School in Sheema District. The funds were delivered by Minister of Local Government, Rafael Magyezi, who represented the Vice President as the chief guest at a fundraising event held at the school on Sunday, August 25. In her remarks, read by Minister Magyezi, Vice President Alupo emphasized the government's strong commitment to supporting girl child education. She highlighted that such efforts are a key part of Uganda’s strategy for achieving sustainable social and economic transformation.
"We have provided universal primary and secondary education, along with an additional 1.5 points for girls at the university level. The government has prioritized science education, and we are pleased to support Masheruka Girls SS in its plan to construct and equip a science laboratory and administration block. We will ensure this project is completed to benefit the learners," stated Alupo.
Guests touring the school
The Vice President commended the school administrators for their initiative in organizing the fundraising event, which aimed to secure resources for the construction and equipping of the science and administration block. She expressed her honor at having the block named "The Alupo Science and Administration Block."
She also praised the school's leadership for its role in significantly improving the institution, noting the increase in student numbers from 200 in 2018 to 950, as well as the school's strong performance in the 2023 UCE and UACE exams, where it ranked third in Greater Bushenyi.
Alupo also acknowledged the Bishop of West Ankole Diocese, Rt. Rev. Johnson Twinomujuni, for his visionary leadership in the diocese, particularly in appointing effective and responsible school management committees. She noted that this leadership has been instrumental in improving educational quality in the region.
"Your passion for quality education is evident, with the recent improvements in academic performance. We appreciate your message of 'Love that Unites,' which has contributed to the development of Greater Bushenyi," Alupo said.
In a further commitment, the Vice President pledged to construct a seven-classroom science block for the school.
Dr. Medard Twinamatsiko Katonera, Chairperson of the Board of Governors at Masheruka Girls SS, thanked Vice President Alupo for the UGX 27 million contribution. He confirmed that the funds would be used to complete the first floor of the laboratory, which is part of a project estimated to cost UGX 2.8 billion. He also noted that the school has so far received UGX 300 million.
Minister Magyezi and other guests touring the school
Dr. Twinamatsiko requested additional government support to secure a capitation grant by elevating the school to Universal Secondary School status and called for assistance in acquiring a new bus for student activities. He also appealed for the government to waive over UGX 700 million in tax arrears owed to the Uganda Revenue Authority.
Dr. Catherine Nuwagira, the school’s headteacher, explained that the existing science laboratory is too old to accommodate the school's growing population, which now exceeds 950 students.
Speaking at the event, George William Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), contributed UGX 10 million and pledged to connect the school to the internet. "We will provide five megabytes per second per month and cover the costs for three years. Whoever provides the computers, we will ensure the school is connected to the internet," Thembo promised.
