Compiled by Hon. Tugume Muzafaru, Senior News Reporter, Rubirizi District | Contact: 0702269269
Over UGX 17 million has been raised in cash towards the construction of a Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) examination hall at Uganda Martyrs High School Kanyashande in Katanda Sub-county, Katerera, Rubirizi District, during a fundraising drive led by the Karwani family. The initiative aims to improve the school’s examination facilities and provide learners with a more conducive environment for sitting their national examinations.
Rev. Fr. Crispus Amumpire, a priest at Rugazi Catholic Parish and the Education Secretary in charge of Catholic schools in Rubirizi District, called on parents to raise their children in religious faith, saying it is essential for developing good morals, love, discipline and self-confidence. He made the remarks while leading Mass during the fundraising event, urging parents to prioritise the spiritual upbringing of their children alongside their academic education.
Rev. Fr. Amumpire observed that children introduced to religion at an early age are more likely to develop respect for their parents and teachers, love for others, and confidence in their studies and personal lives. He expressed concern that some children were losing direction, displaying indiscipline and struggling academically due to inadequate guidance in faith and good values at home. He urged parents to take their children to church, pray with them, teach them the Word of God and guide them away from destructive peer groups, drug abuse and immoral behaviour.
He further encouraged learners to embrace courage, strength, unity, discipline and spiritual growth, describing these values as important foundations for academic excellence and responsible citizenship. He urged students to seek God through prayer, remain focused on their studies and avoid anxiety as they work towards achieving their educational goals.
The school’s Headteacher, Madam Anet Kyomukama, thanked the Karwani family for demonstrating love and generosity by supporting the construction of the examination hall. She also appreciated Old Boys and Old Girls, parents, well-wishers and local leaders who contributed towards the project, noting that their support would help address the school’s long-standing challenge of inadequate examination facilities.
Madam Kyomukama explained that the absence of a dedicated UNEB examination hall had created difficulties for both candidates and teachers, particularly during national examinations. The school has faced challenges accommodating all candidates, sometimes forcing it to hire examination halls from other schools at considerable cost. She noted that congestion and inadequate examination space could expose candidates to difficult conditions and affect their confidence and performance. She expressed optimism that the new facility would improve examination management and enhance the school’s image.
Hon. Tumuhirwe Jadresi, the district councillor representing Katanda Sub-county, urged parents to consider education their children’s greatest inheritance, saying it provides a lasting foundation for overcoming poverty, hunger and ignorance. She argued that even families with money, land and cattle risk losing their wealth if they fail to educate their children, adding that education equips young people with the knowledge and skills needed to sustain family prosperity and become responsible citizens.
Hon. Jadresi also linked education to improved family welfare, observing that ignorance and limited awareness can contribute to challenges such as gender-based violence and domestic conflicts. She called on parents to invest in their children’s education and work closely with teachers and community leaders to ensure that learners receive the guidance and opportunities necessary for a better future.
Meanwhile, Mr. Didas Karwani, who led the family thanksgiving Mass, explained that the Karwani family decided to mobilise resources for the school after recognising the difficulties some children in Katerera face in accessing quality education, including walking long distances in search of learning opportunities. He said the initiative was also a way of thanking God for the family’s blessings, good health, unity, love and financial prosperity. Mr. Karwani pledged the family’s continued support for education, community development, health initiatives and churches, while calling on Christians to remain grateful to God and encouraging parents and teachers to support learners in achieving their ambitions.
Mr. Karwani thanked the individuals and organisations that contributed to the thanksgiving Mass and fundraising drive, including Mr. Banura Patrick, Mr. Higiro Sekibibi, Dr. Jude Mugarura, Mr. Barigye Kariveri, Dr. Wilfred Nahamya, Mr. Kyikaka Innocent, the Karwani family and friends, Mr. Onesmus, Rev. Faaza Amen Mukasa, Mzee Ryarenga, Mr. Mwesigwa, Hon. Boaz Atwizukire, Hon. Arinitwe Jeniva, Kyaps SACCO, Kamusime SACCO and Mr. Alexander, among other well-wishers. He expressed gratitude for their contributions, saying the collective support was an important step towards improving the school’s examination infrastructure and strengthening educational opportunities for learners in Rubirizi District.
