Students and teachers at Nyenga Senior Secondary School in Kiguddu, Buikwe District, are celebrating a significant upgrade to their learning environment following a generous donation of modern facilities from the Rotary Club of Sonde.
The initiative, spearheaded by the school's Board of Governors chairperson and former student Mrs. Rebecca Babirye Tendo in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Sonde, addresses long standing challenges including inadequate sanitation, limited computers, and insufficient library resources at the Universal Secondary Education (USE) school.
During the handover ceremony the Rotary Club of Sonde President Christine Alupo highlighted the donations of 20 new computers construction of modern toilets for boys and teachers, internet connectivity, expanded library books and improvements to school gardens and kitchen facilities for better food production.
She noted positive impacts already visible including improved teaching practices and better results in recent national exams, particularly in subjects benefiting from computer access.
Alupo urged the school to pursue broader partnerships beyond Rotary to scale up support and tackle remaining issues, such as dedicated facilities for girls.
ICT teacher Julius Mulindwa described the transformation vividly; previously the school had only five outdated computers forcing lessons in shifts sometimes extending into the night.
Head teacher Nelson Kanyike echoed this sentiment emphasizing how the new computers and internet access enable students to research topics effectively. "As a USE school, the donated books have made a big impact," he added.
However he pointed to persistent challenges which include classroom overcrowding, incomplete buildings, teacher shortages, and resource constraints relative to student numbers.
Board of Governors Vice Chairperson Florence Walubo Abenakyo, speaking on behalf of Chairperson Mrs. Tendo, expressed deep appreciation. "We have received two VIP toilets, one for boys and one for staff textbooks and 20 new computers," she said. "These are uplifting the school's standards. Students can now use computers freely, unlike before when we had fewer than 10."
She appealed to parents to contribute despite misconceptions about free USE programs, noting that government funds fall short for extras like uniforms, meals or infrastructure. "Parents need sensitization," she said. "We also call on politicians not to interfere but to support sensitization efforts."
Walubo highlighted urgent needs like proper girls' and boys' dormitories (currently, some students sleep in classrooms) completion of unfinished boys' dorms, and better bedding. She urged stronger parenting as many children are left unsupervised amid busy parental schedules.
Latif Kiyemba, a Senior six student thanked the donors for addressing health risks from poor sanitation. "We had no proper toilets for years due to the large population, " he said. "Now, sanitation is promoted, and hygiene has improved."
Fellow Senior six student Obalim Salma noted the shift from five computers causing poor practical performance in ICT to 25 total (including the new additions), leading to better results. "Access has made learning easier, and we expect strong performance this year," she added. The new boys' toilets, with better design, water use, and easier cleaning, have reduced overcrowding and odors.
Reverend Barbara Nakiyo Chaplin praised the partnership for elevating the school. "We are now on another level," she said. "With hands-on computer access in this technology era, students will perform well and attract more enrollments even in a rural area, we aim to be among Uganda's best schools thanks to Rotary."
The donations reflect ongoing collaboration between the school, its board led by Mrs. Tendo and the Rotary Club of Sonde. While challenges like overcrowding and girls' facilities persist, stakeholders expressed optimism that continued support and community involvement will drive further progress.
Nyenga SSS serves a large student body in Buikwe District, and this intervention underscores the power of partnerships in bridging resource gaps in Uganda's public education system.
