Mukono District Local Government has officially received land donated by the Catholic Church for the construction of an eight-in-one staff quarters block at St. Mary Terere Roman Catholic Primary School, a project aimed at improving teachers’ welfare and enhancing the quality of education in the area.
The development was announced during a stakeholders’ meeting attended by district leaders, school management, parents, religious leaders, teachers, and community members.
Speaking during the meeting, the newly appointed Headteacher, Mr. Emmanuel Mirimu, thanked parents and learners for maintaining discipline and respecting school regulations. He noted that since assuming office, the school had registered positive progress with minimal cases of indiscipline among learners.
Mr. Mirimu pledged to continue strengthening academic performance and school management but appealed to Mukono District Chairperson, Hon. Francis Lukooya Mukoome, to support the rehabilitation of school infrastructure, including plastering and renovation of classroom blocks to improve the learning environment.
The Chairperson of the School Management Committee and Mukono District Vice Chairperson LCV, Hon. Innocent Tumwesigye, said the school leadership envisions transforming St. Mary Terere into a model government school characterized by discipline, proper school uniforms, strong academic performance, and high standards of management.
He noted that one of the major challenges affecting the school has been the lack of staff accommodation, which often affects teachers’ availability and effectiveness. He therefore welcomed the district’s decision to construct staff quarters and called upon parents to closely monitor the project to ensure value for money and quality work.
Hon. Tumwesigye reminded parents that government schools belong to the community and urged them to actively support school development initiatives rather than leaving everything to government alone.
Representing the Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Henry Ssesera of St. Balikuddembe Kisoga Catholic Parish thanked parents for prioritizing education and supporting their children’s learning.
He emphasized that the Church remains committed to holistic education that promotes academic excellence, discipline, moral values, practical skills, and personal development. He encouraged teachers to fully utilize the new staff quarters once completed and avoid unnecessary absenteeism.
Fr. Ssesera further urged teachers to remain committed to nurturing learners and avoid sending children away from school unnecessarily. He also encouraged schools to promote both local languages and English to strengthen communication and cultural identity among learners.
The Woman District Councillor for Ntenjeru-Kisoga Town Council, Hon. Florence Birungi, commended parents, school leaders, and district authorities for supporting the project.
She assured stakeholders that Mukono District constructs quality infrastructure that meets required standards and called upon teachers to make full use of the new accommodation facilities once completed. She further noted that the district leadership remains committed to improving both educational and health infrastructure across the district.
Addressing the gathering, Mukono District Chairperson Hon. Francis Lukooya Mukoome reiterated his administration’s position that no learner should be sent home from government schools because of unpaid fees.
He explained that government already meets major education costs, including payment of teachers’ salaries, provision of instructional materials, and support for learners, and therefore every child should be given an opportunity to remain in school.
Hon. Lukooya challenged school administrators to improve academic performance and ensure that government schools produce quality results rather than being perceived as institutions for poor academic performers.
The Chairperson announced that Mukono District will construct a modern staff quarters block worth approximately UGX 214 million at St. Mary Terere Primary School. The facility will accommodate up to eighteen teachers and will include toilets and kitchen facilities.
He noted that the project will improve teacher attendance and commitment since teachers will be residing within the school premises.
Hon. Lukooya called upon parents to complement government efforts by providing scholastic materials and meals for their children while at school.
On infrastructure development, the District Chairperson pledged continued support towards improving roads within Ntenjeru-Kisoga Town Council and neighboring areas. He noted that the district is working closely with local authorities to improve road networks and facilitate transportation.
The Chairperson also addressed healthcare service delivery, reminding residents that government health facilities in Mukono District are not authorized to charge patients for services.
He encouraged residents to report any health worker demanding money from patients using the district’s accountability mechanisms, including the “Atasanyuse” feedback system displayed at government health facilities.
Hon. Lukooya further revealed plans to upgrade Ntenjeru Health Centre into a hospital and establish scanning services within the next one and a half years. He also confirmed that government has already provided a new ambulance to strengthen emergency healthcare services in the area.
On environmental conservation and forest management, Hon. Lukooya explained the legal procedures required for individuals seeking to utilize forest land. He emphasized that any person interested in carrying out activities in forest reserves must first obtain the necessary approvals, prepare a management plan, and engage surrounding communities before receiving authorization.
He warned individuals falsely claiming ownership or lease rights over government forest land that such practices would not be tolerated. He clarified that forest land is managed through renewable licenses rather than permanent leases and cautioned against illegal logging and unauthorized exploitation of forest resources.
The handover of land for the construction of staff quarters at St. Mary Terere Roman Catholic Primary School marks a significant milestone in Mukono District’s efforts to improve education standards and teacher welfare. District leaders, religious leaders, parents, and school administrators emphasized the importance of partnership, accountability, and community participation in promoting quality education.
The event also provided an opportunity for district leadership to reaffirm its commitment to strengthening healthcare services, improving infrastructure, protecting the environment, and ensuring that government programmes directly benefit local communities. Stakeholders expressed optimism that the planned investments in education, health, roads, and public service delivery will contribute significantly to improving the wellbeing and development of residents across Mukono District.
