Educationists Recognize Top-Performing Students in Bukinda

Rukiga, Uganda – Educationists, under the umbrella the Bukinda Development Association (BUDA), have honored top performers in the 2024 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) from Bukinda Sub County, Rukiga District.

The recognition ceremony, held on February 9, 2025, at Bukinda Core PTC main hall, acknowledged 11 students from seven government-aided primary schools.

Each student received a gift package, courtesy of the association, consisting of a bracket, bed sheets, books, and UGX 50,000.

Attending the function, Rukiga District Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Zadorch Katusiime, emphasized the government’s stance on prohibiting school heads from soliciting money from students.

Instead, the RDC charged school management committees, PTA, and other governing committees to explore alternative means to support schools.

“We don’t want to see children chased from schools due to non-payment of fees. Under government policy, head teachers are not supposed to solicit money from parents. However, if the governing committee decides to collect a fee for school development, it should be agreed upon by parents and not interfere with students’ academic work.” RDC Zadorch Noted.

Other dignitaries in attendance included Rukiga County MP Hon. Roland Ndyomugyenyi Bish, who expressed appreciation for the association’s efforts in supporting local schools.

Bish Ndyomugyenyi reaffirmed his commitment to supporting education in the district, highlighting achievements such as fundraising to assist schools and paying for students from humble families.

The Bukinda Development Association provides various forms of support to government-aided schools in the area, including: Offering tests to schools to help students prepare for exams.

The association Provides lunch for teachers, organizes seminars to enhance their skills ahead of awarding best-performing primary seven candidates to motivate them and others.

According to the association’s chairperson, Dr. Calyst Tindimugaya, their main objective is to ensure all government-aided schools in the area receive support to achieve their best potential.

“The environment around our schools has significantly improved, and the future looks promising if we continue on this trajectory. Over the years, we have made considerable efforts to support our local schools, including organizing seminars for teachers, providing lunch for teachers, purchasing tests, and many other initiatives that have greatly enhanced academic performance.” Said Dr. Tindimugaya.

Dr. Calyst Tindimugaya said that the Association’s initiatives have fostered Unity and harmony among the founding bodies Anglicans and Catholics who at first could sit together.

The association’s coordinator, Mr. Kakuru Moses, noted significant improvements in the performance of supported schools.

Kakuru fulfilled his personal pledge to award the two top-performing students, who each scored seven aggregates, with UGX 100,000 each.

“Our association has significantly transformed the performance of our schools. Since we initiated the program of providing lunch for our teachers, they now have more time to focus on our pupils, compensating for the time they would have otherwise spent searching for lunch. Moreover, this initiative has fostered a spirit of competition among our pupils, as they strive to excel and receive awards.” Said Kakuru Moses.

The District Education Officer, Madam Vastine Beyendera, appreciated the association’s efforts in supporting schools, citing the positive impact on reducing teacher absenteeism and lesson dodging.

In attendance was Hon. Nkamushaba Jackline, Schools PTA chairpersons parents from both the benefiting schools of Kakatunda, Ryabirengye, Nyabireerema, Nyakasiru, Rurangara, Karorwa, and Bukoranyi Primary Schools.

Pictorial:

Bukinda Development Association (BUDA) Honors Bukinda Sub County’s 2024 PLE 1st Grade Achievers.