Rebecca Kadaga
The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga has reminded government about its mandate to address the needs of traditional schools, which she said benefit majority of students in the country.
She made the call while commissioning a girl’s dormitory in Ngora High School on 20 July 2018. Kadaga who contributed Shs5 million towards the construction of the dormitory urged the girls to remain in school until they complete their studies.
“I am happy that recent statistics show that the retention level of girls in school has improved, this should continue,” said Kadaga.
The Head teacher Ngora High School, Martin Okiria Obore applauded the girls saying that they dominate the best positions in Advanced Level. He however decried the shortage of accommodation for girls in the school and called for support towards improving of the facilities for girls.
“Our dormitories are very congested. I could not allow you to even just peep inside them because I would have been ashamed,” Okiria said.
He also called on the Speaker to remind the Uganda Communications Commission and Ministry of Education and Sports to provide computers and improve the computer laboratory facilities in the school.
Kadaga pledged to follow up with the request.
“I will direct UCC to provide computers because Parliament appropriated money for procurement and distribution of computers in schools,” said Kadaga.
Speaking during the same event, Members of Parliament from Teso sub region promised to move a motion in Parliament over the delayed opening of Soroti University.
The Chairperson Teso Parliamentary Group, Hon. Patrick Okabe (NRM, Serere district) accused the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) for delaying the process to open the University.
“At this point, we know that [NCHE] is standing in our way. All these students here should be benefiting from the University and yet the institution is not yet functioning,” said Okabe.
Hon. David Abala (NRM, Ngora) said that despite Parliamentary approval and appropriation of Shs13 billion for Soroti University, NCHE is still adamant.
Speaker Kadaga vowed to ensure that the matter is concluded once Parliament resumes its sittings next week.
She noted the importance of the university for the people of Teso saying that it will not only benefit them academically, but economically.
“I think we have people who are not focused in Kampala. We budgeted and appropriated funds for Soroti University and yet some people are wasting time and opportunities for others,” said Kadaga.
