Rotary injects sh38m into Kansanga Primary School renovation

KAMPALA - The Rotary Club of Muyenga Tankhill has launched a sh38m project to re-roof a classroom block comprising more than seven classrooms and a library at Kansanga Primary School in Makindye Division, Kampala.

The initiative aims to address long-standing infrastructure challenges that have disrupted learning at the government-aided school, which serves over 1,200 pupils from Kansanga and surrounding communities.

Kansanga Primary School was originally established as a community school to provide accessible education to children who would otherwise walk long distances to institutions such as St. Peter’s Nsambya and Gaba Demonstration School.

It was later absorbed into the government system under the Universal Primary Education (UPE) programme.

The school charges only sh50,000 per pupil for lunch each term, making it an affordable option for many families in the area.

However, despite its critical role, the school has struggled with deteriorating infrastructure. The classroom block, which was roofed more than 35 years ago, has severely rusted iron sheets that leak during the rainy season, disrupting lessons and damaging learning materials.

Persistent challenges for learners and staff

During the launch of the exercise at the school in Kampala on April 2, headteacher Jalia Nakayiza said the situation has been particularly challenging during heavy rains, when water seeps through the roof and forces pupils to relocate from one classroom to another.

“For some time, the school has faced several challenges, especially during the rainy season. Rainwater has been leaking through the old, rusty roof, interrupting lessons and affecting concentration,” she said.

She added that the library is among the most affected facilities, often experiencing flooding that puts books and learners at risk.

“The library has always been hit by overflows, making it difficult for learners to read and compromising the safety of both books and pupils,” Nakayiza explained.

The school also lacks essential furniture such as chairs and tables in the library, forcing pupils to rely on borrowing books instead of studying from within the facility.

A view of the a classroom structure with rusted roofs that is to be re roofed by the Rotary Club of Muyenga Tankhill at Kansanga Primary School. This was during the official launch of the exercise at the school in Kampala on April 2, 2026. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)

Nakayiza noted that while the re-roofing project is a significant step forward, several needs remain unmet. These include the establishment of a computer laboratory, acquisition of photocopying and printing equipment, and improvement of other classroom facilities.

“As a government school, we are constantly competing with private institutions. We need more equipment and facilities to produce all-round learners,” she said.

She also raised concerns about another classroom block that has developed a large crack, posing a safety risk to both pupils and staff.

Nakayiza expressed optimism that the ongoing renovations will create a safer and more conducive learning environment, improve attendance, and boost academic performance.

“We are grateful for your generosity and support. We pledge to utilise the renovated block for the betterment of our pupils’ academic performance,” she said.

Rotary’s commitment to community transformation

Kenneth Rubango, President of the Rotary Club of Muyenga Tankhill, said the project is part of a broader initiative to uplift communities in Makindye Division, particularly in Kikuba Mutwe, which the club has adopted.

“When we assessed the school’s needs, we found that the roofing had been in place for over 35 years and was in a deplorable state, making learning nearly impossible during the rainy season,” Rubango said.

He noted that the sh38m investment, supported by Rotarians and partners led by Winnie Bagonza, marks only the beginning of a series of interventions planned for the school.
“This is just the start. We intend to introduce more projects to ensure the school is elevated to the level of the best institutions in Uganda,” he said.

Rubango assured stakeholders that high-quality materials would be used to ensure durability and long-term impact.

Kenneth Rubango, President of the Rotary Club of Muyenga Tankhill remarks during the launching event at Kansanga Priamry school Makindye division Kampala city on April 2, 2026. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)

Call for broader support and partnerships

The District Governor for Rotary District 9214, Christine Kyeyune Kawooya, who officiated as the guest of honour, commended the school for providing Rotary with an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

She highlighted Rotary’s seven areas of focus, including basic education and literacy, maternal and child health, disease prevention, economic empowerment, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and environmental protection.

“Education and literacy are critical drivers of development. This project directly contributes to that goal,” Kawooya said.

She emphasised the need for additional interventions, including the establishment of boarding facilities for pupils who travel long distances, as well as improvements in water and sanitation infrastructure.

“If pupils use unsafe water or poor sanitation facilities, they risk falling sick and missing out on the benefits of these improved classrooms,” she noted.

In a personal gesture, Kawooya pledged to pay school fees for three pupils and urged well-wishers and parents to support children’s lunch needs, noting that hunger negatively affects concentration and academic performance.

Government welcomes support

James Juuko, the Makindye Division Inspector of Schools, acknowledged the government’s limited capacity to fully address infrastructure challenges in public schools.

“We recognise that all these children belong to the Government of Uganda. When partners like Rotary come in to support, we are grateful,” he said.

Juuko encouraged proper documentation of the project to quantify its impact and called for formal communication with KCCA leadership to ensure technical guidance and adherence to standards.

The renovation project has been awarded to Concept McFaj as the contractor, with supervision by Rotarian Jesse Tukacungurwa.

Once completed, the project is expected to significantly improve the learning environment and restore hope for hundreds of pupils who rely on Kansanga Primary School for their education.