Bulimu-Nkonge, Mukono Diocese – The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, on Fr officially broken ground for the construction of a state-of-the-art Provincial Secondary School in Bulimu Nkonge, Bukoba Archdeaconry in Mukono Diocese.
This milestone follows years of concern raised by parents and guardians seeking admissions for their children in Church of Uganda-founded secondary schools.
After the release of Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) and Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) results each year, hundreds approach the Archbishop, Bishops, Provincial Secretary, and the Director of Education Services for recommendations.
However, many are turned away due to limited admission slots in traditional schools like King’s College Budo, Gayaza High School, Ndejje Secondary School, Mengo Senior School among others.
To address this persistent challenge, the Church of Uganda Heads of Education Institutions Association (COUHEIA) developed a plan to jointly pool resources and establish a new secondary school that will offer quality, affordable, and accessible education to more learners.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Canon Dr. Charles Kahigiriza, the Project Manager, explained that this is a pilot initiative that will be replicated across other Dioceses in the future.
“We began with this place because the Diocese of Mukono graciously identified suitable land for the project. Additionally, it is centrally located to accommodate the influx of students who struggle to get into traditional Church of Uganda schools,” Canon Kahigiriza said.
Archbishop Kaziimba thanked the local leadership and community members for embracing the project and supporting its early stages. He emphasized the long-term impact the school will have on the area.
“I urge all people in this area and beyond to take ownership of this project. It will not only offer education but also come with improved access to social services like electricity, water, and roads. I’m glad to see some of these already reaching this community,” the Archbishop said.
He added that the decision to build the school stemmed from the overwhelming demand by parents seeking places in Church schools known for academic excellence.
“We have listened to the cries of our parents. This school will help absorb the overflow of students who cannot be accommodated in our traditional institutions,” he noted.
The Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda, Rev. Canon William Ongeng, reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to inclusive development.
“This school will benefit all learners regardless of their religious affiliation. Our mission is to provide quality education that is affordable and accessible,” he said.
On behalf of the Bishop of Mukono Diocese, Rt. Rev. Enos Kitto Kagodo, the Retired Bishop James William Ssebaggala pledged full support from the Diocese to ensure the project’s successful implementation.
The Director of Education Services in Church of Uganda, Rev Canon Dr. Paul Kakooza commended Archbishop Kaziimba for his visionary leadership and the COUHEIA members for their commitment to acquire the ten acres of land and finance the landscaping process.
