By Eric Yiga
Students and teachers at Nyenga Senior Secondary School in Kiguddu, Buikwe District, are celebrating a major transformation in their learning environment following a donation of modern facilities from the Rotary Club of Sonde.
The initiative was spearheaded by the school’s Board of Governors chairperson and former student, Mrs. Rebecca Babirye Tendo, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Sonde. It addresses long-standing challenges at the Universal Secondary Education (USE) school, including inadequate sanitation, limited access to computers, and insufficient library resources.
During the handover ceremony, Rotary Club of Sonde President Christine Alupo highlighted the contributions, which include 20 new computers, construction of modern toilets for boys and teachers, internet connectivity, expanded library resources, and improvements to school gardens and kitchen facilities to support food production.
“This initiative falls within our club’s focus on basic education and literacy,” Alupo said. “We have supported internet connectivity and sanitation facilities, and we will continue to collaborate with the school. With a population of about 2,000 students drawn from a wide catchment area, the school faces congestion and overcrowding challenges.”
She noted that the impact is already visible, with improved teaching methods and better performance in recent national examinations, especially in subjects that benefit from computer access. Alupo also encouraged the school to seek additional partnerships to address remaining gaps, including the need for dedicated facilities for girls.
ICT teacher Julius Mulindwa described the transformation as significant. Previously, the school had only five outdated computers, forcing students to attend lessons in shifts that sometimes extended into the night.
“Now, with these new computers, there is a clear difference this term,” he said. “We hope the laboratory will continue to expand.”
Head teacher Nelson Kanyike echoed these sentiments, emphasizing how access to computers and the internet has enhanced students’ ability to conduct research and improve academic performance.
“As a USE school, the donated books have made a big impact,” he added.
However, Kanyike noted that challenges remain, including overcrowded classrooms, incomplete infrastructure, teacher shortages, and limited resources compared to the growing student population.
Board of Governors Vice Chairperson Florence Walubo Abenakyo, speaking on behalf of Mrs. Tendo, expressed gratitude for the support.
“We have received two VIP toilets—one for boys and one for staff—along with textbooks and 20 new computers,” she said. “These have significantly improved the school’s standards. Students now have much better access to computers compared to before.”
She also appealed to parents to contribute to the school despite misconceptions surrounding free USE education, noting that government funding does not cover essentials such as meals, uniforms, and infrastructure.
“Parents need sensitization,” she said. “We also call on political leaders to support these efforts rather than interfere.”
Walubo highlighted urgent needs, including proper dormitories for both boys and girls. Currently, some students are forced to sleep in classrooms due to inadequate boarding facilities. She also emphasized the need to complete unfinished dormitories and improve bedding, while urging stronger parental involvement.
Students also welcomed the improvements. Latif Kiyemba, a Senior Six student, said the new sanitation facilities have addressed long-standing health concerns.
“We lacked proper toilets for years due to the large population,” he said. “Now hygiene has improved significantly.”
Another Senior Six student, Obalim Salma, noted that the increase in computers—from five to 25—has greatly improved ICT learning and performance.
“Access to computers has made learning easier, and we expect better results this year,” she said.
Reverend Barbara Nakiyo Chaplin praised the partnership for uplifting the school’s standards.
“We are now on another level,” she said. “With hands-on computer access in this technology-driven era, our students are better positioned to excel and attract more enrolment, even in a rural setting. We aim to become one of the best schools in Uganda.”
The donation reflects ongoing collaboration between the school, its Board of Governors, and the Rotary Club of Sonde. While challenges such as overcrowding and inadequate facilities for girls remain, stakeholders are optimistic that continued partnerships and community involvement will drive further progress.
Nyenga Senior Secondary School serves a large student population in Buikwe District, and this intervention highlights the vital role of partnerships in bridging resource gaps within Uganda’s public education system.
