KCCA, UNIVERSAL MULTIPURPOSE UPGRADE BUKOTO ISLAMIC PRIMARY SCHOOL

For years, pupils at Bukoto Islamic Primary School walked into classrooms that bore the weight of time.

Some of the walls had faded. Parts of the infrastructure had deteriorated. Yet every morning, teachers continued to teach and learners continued to pursue their dreams within one of Kampala's oldest public schools.

Today, those same learners are stepping into brighter classrooms painted in green and yellow, a transformation that many believe will inspire a renewed love for learning.

The facelift of Bukoto Islamic Primary School in Nakawa Division has not only changed the appearance of the school but has also restored hope among learners, teachers and parents.

Founded in 1935, the school has educated generations of children and remains one of the few public schools in Kampala providing inclusive education, including support for learners with visual impairments.

For Headteacher Aidah Nabwami, the transformation is more than cosmetic.

"The infrastructure had deteriorated significantly over the years," Nabwami said. "Today, our learners have a much better environment. We believe these improvements will motivate them and attract more children to the school."

The excitement was visible on Thursday as pupils moved through the renovated classrooms during the official handover ceremony. For many, the fresh paint, improved facilities and welcoming atmosphere represented something they had not experienced before.

It is this impact on children that KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki said matters most.

Buzeki described the renovation as a historic moment for the school and a reminder of what can be achieved when institutions and communities work together.

"This is a historic event," she said. "Government does not have an elastic budget to do everything, and we are grateful to partners who support us in improving education infrastructure for our children."

Buzeki noted that while KCCA continues to invest in education across the city, partnerships with the private sector play an important role in accelerating improvements in schools.

She praised Bukoto Islamic Primary School for maintaining a strong reputation for inclusive education despite infrastructure challenges.

"The school has always offered quality education," she said. "What has been missing are quality structures to support the excellent work of teachers and school administrators."

Her message was also directed to parents and community leaders.

Buzeki encouraged families to enrol more children in public schools and specifically called on parents of children with special needs to take advantage of the inclusive learning opportunities available at Bukoto Islamic Primary School.

The school is among KCCA's 79 public schools and one of the institutions identified for infrastructure improvement as part of the authority's efforts to strengthen education services across the city.

For Nakawa Division Mayor Buken Ali, alia Nubian Li the renovated structures send a powerful message to every child who enters the school gates.

"A good school tells children that they matter," Bukeni said.

Research has consistently shown that a child's learning environment influences attendance, confidence and academic performance. Clean and welcoming classrooms can improve concentration and create a stronger sense of belonging among learners.

That belief inspired Universal Multipurpose Enterprises to support the renovation.

Managing Director Yeolawala Muffadal said the company wanted to contribute to creating a better future for children through education.

"We came in to contribute to the betterment of the school so that children can learn better," he said. "This is a small contribution, but we hope to continue supporting initiatives that improve learning conditions."

Muffadal said education remains the foundation of every successful society and that investing in children today creates stronger communities tomorrow.

While the company is best known for providing affordable housing solutions, he said supporting education is equally important because it helps build the human capital needed for national development.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer