By Shivan Ayebare
Finance Minister Henry Musasizi has urged Kigezi College Butobere to ensure that Shs3 billion allocated for rehabilitation works at the school is fully used for its intended purpose.
His message was delivered by Ndorwa West MP Eliab Naturinda Mporera during the third Annual Peace Festival at Kigezi College Butobere in Kabale Municipality.
The festival, organised by Rotary Sunrise Kampala, brought together students and staff from 14 primary and secondary schools across South Western Uganda.
Kigezi College Butobere, commonly known as SINIYA, is among traditional schools receiving government funding for rehabilitation. Some of its buildings date back to the 1950s and have deteriorated over the years.
“The government has already allocated three billion shillings for this project, and the Minister has instructed me to inform you, Mr Headmaster, and the entire school community, that these funds must be utilised to their fullest potential,” Mporera said.
Musasizi, who served as Head Prefect at Kigezi College Butobere in 2000, also encouraged students to remain in school and complete their education.
Mporera said Musasizi’s journey from Mpungu Parish in Hamurwa Sub-county, Rubanda District, to Kigezi College Butobere and later government service demonstrates the opportunities education can provide.
“The Minister asked me to remind you that education is an equaliser. When you consider his humble beginnings in Mpungu Parish, Hamurwa Sub-county, Rubanda District, rising from there to become Head Prefect and now Minister of Finance, you realise that education truly is an equaliser,” Mporera said.
Joan Mirembe Florence, President of Rotaract Sunrise Kampala, said the festival focuses on peace and challenges affecting young people, including climate change, waste management, mental health, drug abuse and school dropout.
The organisers also held sessions on menstrual health and trained students, teachers and community members in liquid soap making.
Mirembe said organisers will follow up with participating schools over the next six months to assess how the skills are being used.
The first Annual Peace Festival was held at Busia Secondary School, while the second was hosted by Bweranyangi Secondary School in Bushenyi District. Kigezi College Butobere is hosting the third edition.
