Minister vows to rebuild school after DEO, head teacher kneel begging
Pupils of Natteta Primary School sit beside a dilapidated classroom block awaiting renovation on June 12, 2025. PHOTO/FRED MUZAALE
What you need to know:
- While promising further government support, the minister also urged parents to stop neglecting their responsibilities.
There were ululations and gasps of disbelief in Kayunga on Thursday when the district’s top education officer voluntarily knelt down and begged the state minister for Finance, Amos Lugoloobi, to renovate crumbling classrooms at Natteta Primary School.
“I kneel before you, Honourable Minister, even with my PhD, because this school groomed me,” said Dr Dan Bbaale, the Kayunga District Education Officer. ‘
He added: “Many of the classrooms built in 1942 are in a sorry state and could collapse on learners at any time.”
His dramatic plea came during the official opening of a newly built two-classroom block at the public school in Nazigo Town Council. Joined by the school head teacher, Ms Robinsh Namuyomba, who also went down on her knees, Dr Bbaale’s appeal stunned parents and pupils alike, prompting loud applause.
Minister Lugoloobi, visibly taken aback but amused, agreed on the spot.
“You have even knelt with your PhD, and I have accepted your plea,” Lugoloobi responded, adding that: “At a later date, we shall return here to demolish the old classrooms and construct new ones. We must build decent schools in our district so that our children don’t have to study elsewhere.”
Pupils of Natteta Primary School sit beside a dilapidated classroom block awaiting renovation on June 12, 2025. PHOTO/FRED MUZAALE
The minister, who also serves as Ntenjeru North MP, said the incident underscored the urgent need to invest in educational infrastructure across Uganda.
“We must invest in this young generation if we want upright and responsible citizens in the future,” he said.
The two-classroom block that was inaugurated was built at a cost of Shs110 million under the School Facilities Grant (SFG).
While promising further government support, Mr Lugoloobi also urged parents to stop neglecting their responsibilities.
“Parents must not abandon their role in supporting their children's education. Work hand in hand with the schools,” he said.
Kayunga RDC Mariam Seguya also cautioned head teachers against sending home students who fail to pay for school lunch.
“Those who cannot afford lunch should be allowed to study uninterrupted,” she said.
