At a fundraising ceremony organized by Dedan Foundation, residents of Buwekula South Constituency, led by Dedan Mubangizi--the aspiring Member of Parliament for Buwekula South raised funds to support the construction of St. Mark Kayebe, the only secondary school in the sub-county.
The ceremony was held on the school premises, where Mubangizi, the chief fundraiser, contributed shs10 million.
He was joined by friends, including Kazo MP Dan Kimosho and Mubende Woman MP Hope Grania Nakazibwe.
In his address to the community, Mubangizi shared their goal of improving the standards at St. Mark Kayebe Secondary School.
"I am here today to make history; that's why I invited my friends to contribute. I came with shs10 million," he said.
Mubangizi emphasized the importance of community involvement, saying, "It's everyone's responsibility to contribute, no matter how small, to elevate our school. This is the only secondary school in our area, and the only government school in the constituency is quite far from here."
He also expressed gratitude to the parents and the Church of Uganda for providing land for the school. Mubangizi encouraged parents from other sub-counties without secondary schools to follow the example set by Kayebe parents.
According to Headteacher Suzan Ashaba Nansadu, the school faces challenging conditions, with all 18 staff members volunteering since 2019.
"We have been working without pay because this is the only secondary school in our sub-county. Before it was built, students had to travel long distances to attend Kiteenga Secondary School, the nearest government school."
Nansadu appealed to local leaders to advocate for St. Mark to become a government-aided school, as they have already submitted the required documents. "We want this school to receive government support so that our staff can be paid, and we can have additional infrastructure."
She also thanked the Dedan Foundation for their shs100 million contribution, which she hopes will fund the construction of more classrooms, including A-Level blocks.
"We've been operating in unfinished classrooms. We need an A-Level section, as our students cannot travel to Kiteenga Secondary, the only government school in the constituency."
Mubende District Woman MP Hope Grania Nakazibwe, who contributed shs1 million, promised to follow up with the relevant authorities to ensure St. Mark becomes a government-aided school. "Just a few weeks ago, we delivered 150 iron sheets from the Office of the Prime Minister under the Luwero-Rwenzori project. We hope the government will support this school."
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Nakazibwe also thanked the Dedan Foundation for mobilizing friends and raising shs 100 million, calling it a great achievement for Mubende residents.
"We know the government tends to support already-established community schools. Thanks to the Dedan Foundation for this initiative, and to all of you locals who came out in large numbers to support our school."
Buwekula South consists of three sub-counties and one town council, yet it has only one government secondary school. This is contrary to the policy that each sub-county should have a government secondary school.
