Members of Parliament representing the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) in the 11th Parliament donated a science laboratory block to Gulu Army Senior Secondary School. The facility, which houses dedicated Biology, Chemistry, and Physics laboratories, is part of their corporate social responsibility efforts aimed at enhancing education within the military community.
The 10 MPs collectively raised UGX 204 million to construct and furnish the laboratory.
Presiding over the commissioning ceremony, Hon. Huda Abason Oleru, the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Veteran Affairs), commended the MPs for their generosity in empowering future leaders.
She urged them to continue such initiatives, emphasising that their contributions benefit not only the children of soldiers but also civilians.
Hon. Oleru further praised the MPs for engaging the UPDF Engineers Brigade in the construction, noting that the timely completion and cost-effectiveness of the project demonstrated their patriotism.
Speaking on behalf of the UPDF MPs, Hon. Maj Gen Henry Matsiko, the Joint Staff Political Commissariat, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to give back to the UPDF community.
He attributed the initiative to the guidance of the Commander-in-Chief, who stressed teamwork and institutional development over personal agendas.
“The Commander-in-Chief was particularly passionate about teamwork. He guided us to prioritise the institution’s welfare over individual interests. This strengthened our resolve to remain united,” said Maj Gen Matsiko.
Maj Gen Felix Busizoori, the 4 Infantry Division Commander, commended the MPs for their commitment to education, particularly in the sciences. He noted that their decision to sacrifice personal entitlements in support of education would greatly enhance students’ performance in science and innovation.
Brig Gen Richard Karemire, the Joint Staff Formal Education, Sports, and Culture, expressed deep appreciation to the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs leadership and the UPDF MPs for their continued support for education.
He emphasised that the UPDF prioritises education for soldiers’ children as part of welfare and morale-boosting efforts, allowing soldiers to focus on their core duty of defending the country.
He also noted that while the UPDF runs 42 schools nationwide, the majority of students are from civilian communities, reflecting the strong civil-military relationship.
Maj Josephate Tumukunde, the Head Teacher of Gulu Army Senior Secondary School, described the new laboratory as a landmark achievement, being the first of its kind at the institution. He noted that with 2,031 learners, the school plays a crucial role in educating both soldiers’ children and the broader civilian community.
Expressing gratitude to the MPs for their support, Maj. Tumukunde highlighted critical challenges facing the school, including land disputes and the lack of essential infrastructure such as an administration block, library, recreation hall, additional classroom blocks, teachers’ accommodation, and a computer laboratory.
In addition to the laboratory donation, Hon. Ojara Mapenduzi, the area MP, contributed a 10,000-litre water tank to the school.
Other dignitaries at the event included Hon Col Dr Victor Nekesa, Hon Lt Col Dr Jenifer Alanyo, Monsignor Martine Agwe (Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Gulu), Mr. Martin Okumu (Deputy Prime Minister of Ker Kwaro Acholi), Mr. Opio George Pius (PTA Chairperson), Hon. Labonyo Doreen (Mayor’s Representative), Mr. Elwenyo Richard (Gulu City Education Officer), as well as senior UPDF officers and personnel.
