By Hillary Keingana and Chris Mugasha
SHEEMA, Uganda: Masheruka Girls Secondary School in Sheema District has appealed for financial and infrastructural support to complete the Jessica Alupo Science Block, a project aimed at strengthening science education for girls amid rising student enrolment and the demands of Uganda’s competency-based curriculum.
During a visit to the school by the Vice President, Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, who was represented by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, the school’s Headmistress, Marion Ashaba, highlighted infrastructure challenges affecting the institution’s ability to deliver quality science and technology education.
Ashaba appealed to government leaders and other well-wishers to fulfil outstanding pledges and provide additional funding to complete the science block, which she described as one of the school’s most pressing needs.
Inadequate Science Laboratories Challenge Girls’ Education
The headmistress said the introduction of Uganda’s lower secondary competency-based curriculum, which emphasises practical learning, has increased pressure on the school’s existing science laboratories.
“Our science laboratories are no longer enough with the competency-based curriculum and the promotion of sciences. Promoting the girl child is our goal,” Ashaba said.
She noted that completing the Jessica Alupo Science Block would provide the school with additional facilities to support practical lessons and encourage more girls to pursue science-related subjects.
“If you asked me what I want done, it is the completion of the Alupo Science Block. It is one of the projects giving us a headache because the funds are not enough. Any support that will enable us to complete the block is our earnest prayer and request,” she said.
The school is also seeking support to expand its computer centre to improve access to digital learning and reduce the student-to-computer ratio as enrolment increases.
The planned improvements are expected to strengthen students’ scientific and digital skills, which are increasingly important for further education and employment.
Government Promises Support for Science Block
Representing the Vice President, Prof. Kamuntu praised Masheruka Girls Secondary School for prioritising the education and empowerment of young women through science and technical skills.
He said educating girls was essential to national development, describing girls’ education as a foundation for building a better society.
“Girls’ education is a fundamental rock of where civilisation starts. The girls are the mothers of the nation, and when you teach girls, you have helped the whole nation,” Kamuntu said.
He assured the school administration that the government would honour outstanding infrastructure commitments, including support for roofing the Jessica Alupo Science Block.
“Everything that the Prime Minister promised, including roofing the Jessica Alupo Science Block, will be fulfilled. Once the roofing stage is reached, the roofing materials will be provided,” he said.
Kamuntu also delivered a financial contribution from the Third Deputy Prime Minister and advised the school administration to formally document outstanding pledges, including a promised school bus, to facilitate follow-up and fulfilment.
Local Leaders Support School Infrastructure Development
Local leaders have also backed efforts to improve facilities at Masheruka Girls Secondary School.
Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye disclosed that he had personally contributed Shs10 million towards the construction of the science block.
He urged the Ministry of Internal Affairs to explore national school infrastructure programmes that could support the renovation of older classroom buildings alongside the ongoing science block project.
The Sheema District Woman Member of Parliament, Adrine Mwebesa, also commended the school leadership for prioritising modern science facilities for girls.
She encouraged students to value their education, protect their well-being and make the most of the learning opportunities available to them.
School Appeals for Kabwohe–Nyakambu Road
Beyond classroom infrastructure, Ashaba appealed to government to prioritise the construction and tarmacking of the Kabwohe–Nyakambu road, which links Sheema District to neighbouring Buhweju District.
She said improving the road would enhance accessibility and give the school a competitive advantage by easing transport and connectivity challenges.
“We ask the Vice President that, when she is at her desk and there is an opportunity, she lobbies for the construction of the Kabwohe–Nyakambu road. If we have that opened up, we shall have a very competitive edge,” Ashaba said.
Dr. Tumwesigye said local leaders were preparing to host President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in Sheema District later in the month and intended to remind him of his pledge concerning the road.
The appeal for improved road infrastructure adds to the school’s broader call for investment in education and community development.
The completion of the Jessica Alupo Science Block, together with improvements to laboratories and digital learning facilities, would help Masheruka Girls Secondary School strengthen practical science education and expand opportunities for girls to participate in science, technology and other specialised fields.
For the school, the project represents an important step towards creating a learning environment in which girls can develop the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to Uganda’s social and economic development. End.
