Masafy, Busia – In a significant boost to educational infrastructure in the region, Buwanda Primary School in Masafu Sub-county has received two new classroom blocks, thanks to the generosity of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) National Treasurer, Ambassador Barbara Nekesa Oundo. The donation aims to alleviate the severe shortage of learning space at the school, which is grappling with a surging pupil population now standing at 1,766.
The handover ceremony, held at the school grounds on the 21st, saw Ambassador Oundo presiding as the chief guest. She officially handed over the completed classrooms to the school's management, a move that brings much-needed relief to both pupils and teachers.
For years, the school has struggled to accommodate its growing numbers, a challenge familiar to many government-aided schools across the country. The situation was so dire that some pupils were forced to learn under trees, a factor that significantly hampered academic performance. The new infrastructure is expected to provide a conducive learning environment and address the issue of overcrowding.
“It is high time parents took their children to school,” Ambassador Oundo addressed the gathering. “The NRM government has provided a peaceful environment, and being educated is crucial for your children's future. Look at our leaders; if you don't have the papers and the education, it will be a challenge. Busia needs educated people, and this can only be achieved if parents prioritise their children’s schooling.”
Acknowledging the broader economic reality, she also emphasised that while the government provides opportunities, it cannot be the sole employer. “The government is aware that formal jobs are not available for everyone who finishes school. That is why we must encourage the private sector to thrive, rather than having thousands of young people fighting for the limited 50,000 government jobs.”
Beyond the classrooms, Ambassador Oundo’s contribution extended to improving the school's administrative and academic capabilities. She donated a printing machine and a computer to help the school produce monthly tests and other learning materials efficiently.
The gesture was met with immense gratitude from the school administration. The Head Teacher, Mr Wandera Viccent, expressed his heartfelt thanks for the timely intervention.
“Before these classrooms were built, our pupils were studying under trees, and our performance was really very poor,” Mr Wandera said. “We are deeply grateful to Ambassador Nekesa for the kind heart she has shown to our school. This support will go a long way in improving the learning environment for our children and, we believe, our results.”
The challenge of inadequate infrastructure, however, remains a district-wide concern. The Busia District Education Officer, Mr Wanyama Atoneny, who was also present, highlighted the scale of the problem. He noted that the Busia district has approximately 117 government-aided primary schools, and the majority face a similar crisis of insufficient classrooms.
“The shortage of classes has led to massive overcrowding,” Mr Atoneny explained. “In many of our schools, a single class can hold between 150 to 200 pupils. This makes it extremely difficult for teachers to deliver lessons effectively and for learners to grasp concepts. We welcome interventions like this one from Ambassador Oundo, and we call upon other well-wishers to partner with the government to bridge this gap.”
