ONC Highlights Progress at St. Charles Magoma Primary School

The Office of the National Chairman (ONC) has highlighted progress made at St. Charles Magoma RC Primary School in Nakaseke District, where community mobilisation and collaboration with education authorities have contributed to the construction of a two classroom block and improvements in the school’s learning environment.

The development at the school in East Ward, Kiwoko Town Council, follows efforts by headteacher Mr. Kakooza Joseph to engage the local community and the District Education Department since taking leadership of the school five years ago. The collaboration has enabled the school to expand its classroom capacity and respond to some of the challenges associated with its growing enrolment.

According to the school records, St. Charles Magoma RC Primary School currently has 213 pupils and 11 teachers. Six teachers, including the headteacher, are employed on the Government payroll, while four others serve under the Parent Teacher Association arrangement. During the monitoring visit, 143 pupils were present at the school.

The monitoring exercise was conducted and compiled by Kamya David Karuhanga, the ONC Coordinator for Nakaseke District, as part of an assessment of the school’s staffing, enrolment, leadership and infrastructure.

Kakooza’s administration has placed emphasis on working with stakeholders to improve the school’s physical environment. The construction of the two classroom block is one of the key achievements recorded during his tenure and has helped provide additional space for learners.

The headteacher also recognised the Government’s contribution through the payment of teachers’ salaries and provision of the capitation grant, which support teaching and the general operation of the school.

However, the monitoring report indicates that significant gaps remain despite the progress recorded. One of the immediate challenges is inadequate staff accommodation, with some teachers travelling from distant areas to reach the school.

The school also lacks a reliable water source for both pupils and staff. The absence of a perimeter fence is another concern because the school is located along a main road, exposing learners to potential safety and security risks.

Electricity is also unavailable at the school, limiting access to modern teaching and learning facilities and affecting some lessons. The institution further lacks a multipurpose hall that could be used for examinations, meetings, indoor activities and other school functions.

The monitoring team also identified the absence of a proper kitchen as a challenge, particularly in supporting the preparation of meals for learners.

The findings point to a school that has made tangible progress but still requires additional support to consolidate the gains already achieved. The construction of the classroom block demonstrates the impact of cooperation between school leadership, the community and district authorities, while the remaining infrastructure gaps continue to affect the wider learning environment.

For St. Charles Magoma RC Primary School, the focus now shifts to building on the progress already made by addressing the basic facilities needed to improve the safety, welfare and learning conditions of both pupils and teachers.

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