District to take over government-aided school
One of the structures at Karungu Seed Secondary School. PHOTO BY ZADOCK AMANYISA
What you need to know:
Last year, the Resident District Commissioner Emmy Kateera promised to petition the Inspector General of Government (IGG) to investigate the suspected cost exaggeration of Karungu Seed SS in 2010 in which government might have paid in the excess of Shs300m when it acquired the school.
BUHWEJU. District officials have resolved to take over management of government-aided Karungu Seed Secondary, which is in a sorry state.
The district chairperson, Mr John Asiimwe, confirmed the development on Thursday during an interview with Daily Monitor.
Initially, the school belonged to private proprietors who sold it to government in 2010. But it was reportedly a controversial deal after its cost was inflated.
“A school was well managed at the hands of government but it has now been neglected and we cannot look on as our children suffer under such conditions,” said Mr Asiimwe.
Karungu Seed Secondary School, which is about a kilometre from the sub-county headquarters, looks more of a deserted settlement camp than an academic institution.
“I have talked to the contractor and he has consented on an official hand over. Now we want him to get out and we take over its management in the coming financial year,” Mr Asiimwe added.
The contractor, for unknown reasons, abandoned work, leaving some structures incomplete. Of the three classroom blocks that the school boasts of, two were built with mud and wattle.
Other two blocks are under construction using funds raised by the parents. There is also a staff house for accommodation and two dormitories.
Last year, the Resident District Commissioner Emmy Kateera promised to petition the Inspector General of Government (IGG) to investigate the suspected cost exaggeration of Karungu Seed SS in 2010 in which government might have paid in the excess of Shs300m when it acquired the school. Also, ownership of part of the land is under dispute with individuals.
At the time of government takeover, there were more than 450 students but the enrolment has dropped to below 300.
Mr Asiimwe also said they will work with parents to give it a new look.
