Kabalega SS Old Boys SACCO hits Shs 60mln in savings

MASINDI, October 10, 2024 – The Kabalega Secondary School Old Boys Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation [SACCO] has accumulated Shs 60 million in savings, according to its CEO, Titus Tumusiime.

During the annual general meeting [AGM] of the Kabalega Secondary School Old Boys Association [KASSOBA] held on Saturday at the school, Tumusiime noted that the SACCO currently has 104 members.

He said the SACCO has disbursed Shs 26 million in loans but expressed frustration that many members have yet to fully embrace the initiative. “We started this SACCO to save for our future, allowing members to borrow at affordable rates while fostering unity among them. Our operations are digital, enabling members to join and save from anywhere. There’s no excuse not to participate,” he noted, adding that to join the SACCO , a member needs to pay only Shs 50,000 and must purchase at least two shares at the same amount.

Tumusiime emphasised that if members unite, they can achieve more, noting that KASSOBA has many members. “If everyone embraced this, we could build a robust SACCO with significant financial strength,” he said.

Emmanuel Kato, a member of KASSOBA, underscored the importance of joining the SACCO, calling it a great initiative to address financial challenges.

Geoffrey Karubanga, another member, warned that one of the main threats to SACCOs is members taking loans and failing to repay. “Many people take loans but struggle to repay, which is a major challenge for SACCOs,” he said.

KASSOBA, established in 1982, brings together alumni from seven generations of former students since the school’s founding in 1960. The association aims to promote the development of the school and the welfare of its members through networking and income-generating activities.

KASSOBA has significantly contributed to the school’s development, including constructing a library and providing computers and learning materials. During the AGM, they also commissioned a water project worth Sh80 million.

“Our commitment to the development of Kabalega SS is central to our activities. This project involved drilling a borehole, constructing a pump house, installing a submersible pump, and laying transmission and distribution pipes. The school now has its own water source, eliminating the need to rely on the National Water and Sewerage Corporation, which previously incurred monthly bills of Sh50 million. These savings can now be redirected to other school needs,” explained Tonny Mugenyi, the association’s Chairperson.

Concerns over dilapidated school infrastructure

During the AGM, old boys of the school, expressed frustration over the government’s failure to renovate the school, which they described as having dilapidated structures. With an enrollment of nearly 700 students currently, the school struggles to provide adequate accommodation. “Many ceilings are broken, walls are cracked, electrical wiring is worn out, roofs are leaking, and some structures are structurally compromised,” said one of the old boys of the school.

One dormitory burned down 14 years ago, yet no government action has been taken despite numerous petitions. The association is currently campaigning to raise Shs 700 million for the renovation of Winyi House, which is also in poor condition, while awaiting a response from government.

Kabalega SS, one of the 40 traditional schools established 60 years ago, requires significant government support for a complete overhaul. According to the alumni, the school’s structures have never been renovated since its inception.

Andrew Tumwesige, the school’s head teacher, explained that due to lack of space, the school has a challenge of accommodating 700 students. “For the past two years, the government has allocated funds for renovations, but we have yet to receive them. Our leaders and stakeholders must assist us because we expect enrollment to grow to 1,000 students,” noted Tumwesige.

Patrick Byabakama Kaberenge, an alumnus and former Bank of Uganda employee, asked why government has “neglected” a school which he said has produced many successful individuals. “The government has made numerous promises without fulfilling them. We need to ensure our message about the reconstruction of this school reaches President Museveni. Shs 700 million was promised by a minister for the renovation of the burnt Bikunya Dormitory, but nothing has materialised,” he said.

Kaberenge was also concerned that the burden of fundraising has been solely placed on the alumni for the renovation of dilapidated structures of the school, calling it both unfair and unfeasible.

Simplicious Atugonza Kakonge stated, “The school’s condition is dire, and students’ lives are at risk. Neglecting an institution that has produced so many valuable citizens is unacceptable. We need to organize and petition the president to ensure our voices are heard. I’m ready to lead this effort.”

Festus Kahigwa emphasised that Kabalega SS should not be considered a mediocre institution but rather an international school which needs urgent attention from the local leaders and government. “We must demand government intervention to rebuild this school,” he stated.

Stephen Birahwa Mukitale, a former Member of Parliament for Buliisa County and also an alumnus, argued that Kabalega SS should be treated as a center of excellence, given the many successful individuals it has produced.

https://thecooperator.news/kabalega-secondary-school-to-embark-on-agri-business/