Mubende school gets Shs29m for renovation but not the renovation
Mawujjo Primary School received millions of shillings but remains in abject state with the whereabouts of the money unknown
Local leaders in Kigaando Sub-county, Mubende District, are concerned about the missing Shs28.9 million allocated for renovating a three-classroom block at Mawujjo Primary School, as no work has been done.
During his state of affairs presentation on July 18, 2024, District Chairperson Michael Ntambi highlighted the schools included in the 2023/2024 budget, including the renovation of Mawujjo Primary School, urging district councillors and citizens to verify the implementation of these projects.
Kigaando Sub-county female councillor Aisha Ayebare, along with other local leaders, noted two months later that the funds allocated for the renovation were an empty promise.
Ayebare revealed that the district proposed renovating Mawujjo Primary School in the 2022/2024 financial year, but no work has been carried out.
She expressed surprise that the district council approved the funds for renovating the three classrooms, yet nothing has been done.
In 2021, the school was affected by a storm that unroofed one of the blocks, and the district budgeted 44 million shillings for repairs, planning to renovate the building in phases.
Ayebare stated that district authorities informed her that the budgeted amount was a top-up to complete the first phase of the renovation.
Rev Felix Tumanyane, chairperson of the school management committee, confirmed that despite discussions about the money, no renovation work has been carried out.
Rev Tumanyane called for the Anti-Corruption Unit to investigate the matter, citing the poor state of the building and the impact of the leaking roof on the children.
Mr William Kalugana, the Local Council II chairperson, said the district leaders frequently talk about receiving the funds for renovation, but no action has been taken.
Mubende District Education Officer Asapha Kabunga confirmed that insufficient funds were initially budgeted in the 2021/2022 financial year, leading to an additional Shs28.9 million being allocated in 2023/2024 to complete the work.
Kabunga dismissed allegations that three additional classrooms were supposed to be renovated in the second phase and stated that a meeting with local leaders and the Chief Administrative Officer will present a detailed report on the matter.