Leaders in Kajjansi Town Council, Wakiso District, have appealed to the government to construct a universal secondary school in the area. They argue that the lack of a public secondary school has led to a significant drop in the number of students transitioning from primary to secondary education.
According to the Town Council Mayor, Haji Kayondo Albashir, Kajjansi is one of the largest town councils in the country, comprising 62 villages and 11 parishes. Despite its size, the area has only one public secondary school, Kitende Secondary School, which is now overwhelmed and unable to accommodate all the students from the region.
Steven Lwasa, the headteacher of Kitende Secondary School, expressed his concerns about the school's inability to admit more students. He revealed that the school turned away over 4,600 students in Senior One and approximately 1,800 students in Senior Five this academic year due to limited space. Lwasa appealed to the government and other stakeholders to provide additional facilities to accommodate the growing number of students.
Haji Kimbugwe, the education officer for Kajjansi Town Council, and Maria Nakiganda Kansala, a local leader, echoed these concerns. They emphasized that many children in the area are left without options for secondary education, which could have long-term negative effects on their future.
Matia Lwanga Bwanika, the District Chairperson, acknowledged the issue but stated that the district lacks the resources to address it. He called on the Ministry of Education to intervene and provide funding for the construction of at least five new secondary schools in the area to meet the growing demand.
In the meantime, Bwanika urged government-aided schools in the town council to introduce entrepreneurship programs to equip students with practical skills while they await a permanent solution to the school shortage.
The leaders' appeal highlights the urgent need for increased investment in education infrastructure in Kajjansi to ensure that all children have access to quality secondary education.
