Two schools established in Zombo to expand access to secondary education

ZOMBO, June 9, 2026 — The Government of Uganda, with support from the World Bank, has completed the construction of Kango and Amei Seed Secondary Schools in Zombo district under the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers [UgIFT] Education Programme at a total cost of Shs4.8 billion.

The two schools, each costing Shs 2.4bln, were established in Kango and Paidha sub-counties as part of the government’s efforts to expand access to affordable secondary education in rural communities.

District leaders and community members on Tuesday officially received the fully furnished and equipped facilities from the contractor, Newton Technical Services.

The newly constructed schools comprise classrooms, science laboratories, computer laboratories, office space, toilet facilities, teachers’ houses, and water and electricity installations. The classrooms are also equipped with bookshelves, desks and tables to provide a conducive learning environment.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Isaac Ngageno, a senior engineer working with Zombo District Local Government, said the district would monitor the projects throughout the defects liability period, which runs until December 2026.

“Amei and Kango Seed Secondary School projects were implemented under the UgIFT programme, with each school costing Shs2.4 billion. Practical completion was attained in December 2025, and the defects liability period runs up to December 2026,” Eng. Ngageno said.

The Director of Newton Technical Services, Hiremath Muragesh, assured district officials that the company would complete the remaining works once electricity lines reach the school compounds.

“We are providing the district with a commitment letter to complete the remaining works. I also want to thank the district for awarding us the contract, which we have successfully completed,” Muragesh said.

The Zombo District Education Officer [DEO], Patrick Angala, revealed that bank accounts had already been opened for both schools.

He added that the Ministry of Education and Sports had delivered laboratory equipment, apparatus, reagents and computers, which will be installed once the schools are connected to electricity.

The Principal Assistant Secretary of Zombo District, Ephraem Kumakech, urged the community, teachers and learners to embrace education, games and sports.

Zombo District LCV Chairperson James Uyullu Uruna called on residents to take ownership of the school infrastructure and protect it. He also encouraged communities to take advantage of the new facilities by increasing student enrolment.

Uyullu further directed LCIII chairpersons to submit the names of qualified individuals for consideration and appointment to the Boards of Governors of the respective schools.

“Contractor, you should honour your commitment to complete the outstanding works,” Uyullu said.

Under the project, the government is also constructing four-unit teachers’ houses at both schools.

A local resident, Uzunga Mateo, 75, urged farmers to invest livelihood funds in productive enterprises such as onions, cabbages, groundnuts, coffee and beans to generate income for school fees.

He commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for extending such development projects to rural communities.

The LCIII Chairperson of Kango Sub-county, Christino Odaga, said the school currently relies on volunteer teachers, including three diploma holders and one graduate teacher, who are conducting lessons.

Odaga noted that members of minority ethnic communities, including the Kebu and Lugbara, are among those teaching and managing the school.

“We have Kebu, Lugbara and Madi communities, which are minority groups in Zombo District, while Alur and Bantu teachers are also supporting learners at the school,” Odaga said.

The LC I Chairperson of Ondreko Village in Paduba Parish, Kango Sub-county, Martine Theku, applauded the government for establishing Kango Seed Secondary School and encouraged residents to engage in productive economic activities to support their children’s education.

Meanwhile, the LCIII Chairperson of Paidha Sub-county, Austman Wathum, said Amei Seed Secondary School has enrolled 52 students in Senior One and Senior Two and is currently being supported by volunteer teachers.

Paidha Sub-county has six government-aided primary schools that are expected to feed into Amei Seed Secondary School, while Kango Seed Secondary School will serve seven government-aided primary schools within its catchment area.

There are eight government secondary schools and one private secondary school serving a total enrollment of about 3,831 students. Some of the other schools include; Aluka SS, Zeu SS, Warr Girls SS, St. Aloysius College Nyapea, and Pakadha Seed School.

https://thecooperator.news/zombo-district-approves-shs-41-5bln-budget-for-fy2026-27/

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