By KT Reporter
The leadership of Nyendo-Mukungwe Division in Masaka City has introduced stricter conditions for the allocation and implementation of government-funded social service projects in public schools. The move aims to curb chronic neglect of facilities and promote a culture of proper maintenance.
Division Chairperson Michael Mulindwa Nakumusana explained that future projects, ranging from classroom blocks and office buildings to latrines and water tanks, will only be awarded to schools that demonstrate the ability to care for what they already have.
“Our assessments show that many government-funded facilities do not last their planned lifespan because of poor maintenance,” Nakumusana said, citing examples of dilapidated latrines, leaking water tanks, and crumbling classrooms. “The new conditions are meant to hold school administrators accountable.”
Nakumusana made the remarks while handing over two water tanks, pit latrines, and classroom desks to Hill Road Public, Kinyerere, and Misaali primary schools. He emphasised that the Division Council Executive Committee has resolved to prioritise schools with a proven track record of maintaining previous projects.
Masaka City, like many urban centres in Uganda, struggles with the upkeep of public infrastructure. Government schools often receive essential projects, such as boreholes, latrines, and classroom blocks, funded through national or donor programs. However, limited operational budgets and lax oversight frequently lead to premature deterioration.
Nyendo-Mukungwe Division’s new policy is intended to reverse this trend by linking new investments to demonstrated care for existing facilities, creating what leaders hope will be a sustainable cycle of responsibility and community ownership.
The chairperson also urged school administrators and management committees to treat every facility as a long-term community asset: “Facilities allocated to schools must be handled with care so they can serve many generations,” he said.
Masaka City Deputy Resident Commissioner Mariam Kaberuka, who oversees Nyendo-Mukungwe Division, echoed the call for community involvement. She urged parents and local leaders to fully own the projects, noting that government budgets often cannot cover ongoing maintenance.
Teddy Tebiggwa, Vice Chairperson of the Management Committee at Kiwala Primary School, believes that clearly communicating the new guidelines will encourage parents to take an active role in safeguarding school infrastructure.
“When parents understand that future projects depend on their commitment, they will take pride in maintaining these facilities,” Tebiggwa noted.
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