The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has challenged head teachers and teachers in public schools across the city to increase learner enrollment and ensure that every child in Kampala has access to quality education. Speaking at the reopening of the renovated Bukoto Muslim Primary School in Nakawa Division on Thursday, KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki proposed making enrollment growth a key performance indicator for school administrators and teachers.
According to KCCA statistics, enrollment in Kampala’s government primary schools has steadily increased from 68,801 learners in the 2023/2024 financial year to 74,056 learners in 2024/2025 and 76,907 learners in the current financial year.
However, Buzeki noted that many school-going children are still not enrolled despite the availability of free education in government schools. “Our goal is not just to have big numbers, but to ensure that government investments in education are fully utilized and that every child has access to quality learning,” she said.
She also urged parents to reconsider their preference for costly private schools and instead take advantage of improved facilities and qualified teachers in government institutions.”There is no reason why any school-going child in the Bukoto community should stay at home because of school fees. The facilities have improved, the teachers are available, and education is free,” Buzeki said.
She spoke during the reopening of Bukoto Muslim Primary School following a major renovation project funded by Universal Multi-Purpose Enterprise Limited. Buzeki praised the partnership between the private sector and government, describing the renovation as a transformative intervention that has restored dignity to the learning environment.
“A year ago, when we visited this school, the condition of the infrastructure was painful to witness. Today, we celebrate a remarkable transformation,” she said. Founded in 1935, Bukoto Muslim Primary School is one of Kampala’s oldest government schools. It also hosts a special unit for learners with visual impairments established in 1997, enabling blind and sighted learners to study together.
Buzeki described the school as “a beacon of inclusion,” saying it demonstrates the values of empathy, support, and social responsibility needed for national development. She revealed that Bukoto Muslim Primary School is among more than ten public schools in Kampala that are in poor condition and require urgent intervention.
Other schools facing similar challenges include Kyanja Muslim Primary School, Kampala Primary School, Bukasa Primary School, Natete Muslim Primary School, Muslim Girls Primary School, Chwa II Primary School, and Ntinda Primary School.
Buzeki called upon companies, organizations, and community groups to partner with the government by adopting public schools and supporting infrastructure development, career guidance programmes, and other educational initiatives. She reaffirmed KCCA’s commitment to supporting Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools through capitation grants, staff development, sanitation improvements, and infrastructure projects.
However, she noted that land ownership disputes remain a challenge in some schools where foundation bodies have not transferred land titles to KCCA, limiting government investment. The head teacher of Bukoto Muslim Primary School, Aidah Nabwami, welcomed the renovation and said it would help restore confidence among parents who had withdrawn their children because of the school’s deteriorating condition.
She said low enrolment has largely been driven by poor infrastructure and inadequate resources. The school currently has only 75 learners, but Nabwami expressed optimism that enrolment will rise following the facelift. She appealed to KCCA to support additional infrastructure projects, including teachers’ houses, roofing repairs, and levelling of the school compound to improve mobility for learners with visual impairments.
Nabwami also highlighted the challenge of stray animals entering the school premises and called for the construction of a perimeter wall. Nakawa Division Mayor Ali Bukeni described the renovation as more than an infrastructure upgrade, saying it represents an investment in the future of children and the wider community.
“Today is not just about witnessing the completion of a renovation project. It is about celebrating a massive step forward for the children and families of this community,” Buken said. He emphasized that quality education requires a safe, clean, and inspiring learning environment, noting that well-maintained schools send a powerful message to learners that they are valued and that their future matters-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
