Mityana: Ssekanyonyi Secondary School Appeals for Support as Aging Infrastructure Hampers Learning

Ssekanyonyi Secondary School in Mityana District is facing growing concerns over deteriorating infrastructure as its student population continues to increase amid limited and aging facilities.

The challenges came to the fore during the school’s 40th anniversary celebrations, where education leaders, parents, alumni and other stakeholders pledged support towards improving the learning environment.

The anniversary celebrations brought together government officials, former students, parents, members of the school management committee and well-wishers to reflect on theinstitution’s achievements over the past four decades while highlighting the urgent need for improved infrastructure.

School leaders and alumni said enrolment has grown significantly over the years, but the expansion of classrooms and other facilities has not matched the increasing student population.

They noted that some existing buildings require urgent renovation, while others are no longer sufficient to accommodate the number of learners.

“Our enrolment continues to grow every year, but the available infrastructure has remained inadequate. Expanding the school’s facilities is no longer an option; it is an urgent necessity if we are to provide learners with a conducive environment,” a member of the school management committee said.

The shortage of classrooms has forced the school to rely on temporary structures, including a tent that is currently being used as a classroom. However, the facility has deteriorated, with several holes exposing learners to harsh weather conditions.

Students said lessons are frequently disrupted, especially during rainy and sunny weather.

“When it rains, lessons are interrupted because water leaks through the tent. During hot weather, the conditions also become uncomfortable, making it difficult for us to concentrate,” a student said.

In response to the challenges, participants at the anniversary celebrations organised a fundraising drive to support the construction of a permanent classroom block. By the end of the event, more than Shs10 million had been raised towards the project.

The Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Judith Nabakooba, who was the chief guest, commended the school management for its commitment to sustaining education despite the challenges.

She encouraged the school governing board to continue mobilising resources and maintaining existing facilities as they seek additional government support.

“The commitment shown by the school leadership, parents and alumni is commendable. Continue taking good care of the facilities you have while working together to mobilise support as government processes additional interventions,” Nabakooba said.

The Member of Parliament for Mityana South, Henry Kamya Makumbi, pledged to engage relevant government agencies to ensure that development commitments made to the school are fulfilled.

“Education is one of our key priorities. I will continue engaging the relevant authorities to ensure that government programmes and the commitments we have made benefit Ssekanyonyi Secondary School and improve learning conditions for our children,” Makumbi said.

Parents and former students called on government, development partners and well-wishers to support the school, arguing that improved infrastructure would enhance academic performance and provide learners with a safer and more conducive learning environment.

As Ssekanyonyi Secondary School begins its fifth decade, stakeholders expressed optimism that funds raised during the anniversary celebrations, combined with government support and community contributions, will help address infrastructure gaps and create a better learning environment for future generations.