Jinja plots annual fairs as 20 primary schools get illustrative science kits

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In a bid to promote more practical and engaging science learning among learners, the Government has donated science kits to selected 20 primary schools in Jinja district.

Comprising illustrative crafts and materials aligned with the national curriculum, Jinja chief administrative officer (CAO) Lillian Nakamatte says the gadgets area is geared at aiding practical lessons away from what she termed as too much theory.

The illustrative materials include the different body organs such as the heart, human skeleton, reproductive system and the dental formula.

Speaking to the recipient headteachers during the handover ceremony at Mwiri Primary School in Kakira town council on November 17, 2025, Nakamatte said applying theory alone was very boring in science teaching.

She was optimistic that once pupils are exposed to the said kits, they will become solutions to problems as they would be learning how they function and help solve things outside and within their environments in their small capacities.

Therefore, she appealed to the headteachers to mobilise their science teachers to ensure that they talk with physical illustrations and help learners to imbibe knowledge faster.

George Musenze, the head teacher Muguluka P/S, in Buwenge sub-county marking the cabin containing the donated science kits at Mwiri P/S in Jinja district on Monday. (Photo by Jackie Nambogga)

She narrated how, during her Senior Four vacation supported her mother, who was a primary school headteacher, with teaching mathematics and science subjects in a slow learner class.

Whereas they least expected a positive impact, Nakamatte said she used to read her mother’s manual and would go with some illustrative objects and at the end, this was the best performing class.

“Talking only without physical illustrations bores; they gave me this class thinking that I would fail learners, but my application worked out. Let our teachers begin this to improve and increase good grades among learners and connect them to the real world,” she urged.

With these kits, the CAO who confessed hating sciences, which she dropped in Senior Two, said teachers wouldn’t fail to convince learners to love science as their performances would slowly change.

She commended the Government for the support, saying that at first, science teachers were given a very big scope, but they were not supported by practical materials.

These, she said, would help pupils to become curious and inquisitive, improve their communication, build confidence, promote creativity and innovation.

After learning, she said pupils shall be curious to feed their natural brains, master things, keep them in their minds, because young people don’t easily forget.

Once they embrace the hands-on practicals, the CAO added that this will also help them to have critical minds and become critical thinkers by analysing information and making predictions

In order to promote confidence, Nakamatte said the district would be holding annual science fare competitions in schools to spot those who would demonstrate better for recognition.

Full utilisation during lessons

Chief guest assistant Jinja Resident District Commissioner George William Bameka said it was only Uganda among the East African countries that was still applying theory in science teaching without practicals.

Therefore, he described this initiative as a holistic approach to promoting science teaching as an essential driver for the actualisation of the social and economic transformation of Uganda as per President Yoweri Museveni’s agenda.

Whereas the kits came along with cabins for their proper storage, on the other hand, Bameka cautioned school heads against keeping them in their offices, saying they must be fully utilised during lessons.

Also, he urged them to label the kits and avoid exposing them to rodents and dust likely to affect their intention.

Building a strong foundation

According to the Jinja district education officer Eria Kisambira, the new kits will help schools cover all science topics using the practical approach to teaching and learning.

This, he added, would build a strong foundation for science education as teachers prepare learners for secondary school.

In conclusion, Nakamatte said they would critically examine the performance of these schools and verify whether the kits had made an impact.

“If you are happy that we have selected you, now think twice, we shall critically look at your school performance to gauge you,” she said.

What head teachers say

Asiina Mutesi of Kigalagala P/S in Busede sub-county: Teaching will be based on reality; theory leaves learners in suspense, but we expect smooth understanding and good results.

Annet Mukoda of Kalebera P/S in Buwenge sub-county: We are privileged by the government’s intervention, we shall be hands-on, and this will make teaching lovely and interesting among learners.

George Musenze of Muguluka P/S in Buwenge sub-county: It has been laborious yet science requires practicality, with the kits, this is going to make the lives of science teachers easy.