Ministry of Education Intervenes as Teso College Aloet Raises Urgent Infrastructure and Development Needs.

Peterson Hiirya.

Opaso Julius, the headteacher of Teso College Aloet, has appealed for urgent government intervention to address critical infrastructure and learning gaps affecting the school despite its continued strong academic performance.

Speaking during the school’s awards ceremony, Mr. Opaso praised the institution’s consistent success, attributing it to dedicated teachers, disciplined learners, and stakeholder support. However, he warned that persistent infrastructural challenges are limiting the school’s full academic potential.

He outlined key priority areas requiring immediate attention, beginning with a shortage of instructional materials. The school urgently needs computers and ICT equipment to support digital learning, updated curriculum textbooks, and fully equipped science laboratories to strengthen practical education.

Sanitation infrastructure was also highlighted as a major concern. Mr. Opaso noted that reliance on pit latrines poses serious health and safety risks and called for the construction of modern water-borne sanitation facilities.

The Headteacher further raised concern over poor access roads and internal walkways, which become impassable during rainy seasons, disrupting learning activities. He appealed for tarmacking or paving to improve mobility and safety within the school.

He also emphasized the need for improved sports facilities and equipment, including standard playgrounds and sports gear, to promote physical education and talent development among learners.

Additionally, he called for urgent rehabilitation of school infrastructure, including classrooms, laboratories, and staff housing, as well as repair of worn-out equipment. The school also requested a tractor to enhance compound maintenance and sanitation management.

“We humbly present these priority areas for your consideration,” Mr. Opaso said, urging stakeholders to support efforts aimed at transforming the school environment.

In response, Juliet Atuhire Muzoora of the Ministry of Education and Sports confirmed government intervention through the YOU LEARN Programme, which targets renovation and upgrading of traditional schools across the country.

She stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, noting that progress depends on unity between students, teachers, parents, and alumni. She also commended alumni contributions to the school’s growth and urged continued support.

Her remarks align with broader government efforts announced by Alfred Kyaka, who confirmed that the government, in partnership with the World Bank and the Global Partnership on Education (GPE II), has launched a major rehabilitation programme for ageing school infrastructure.

The initiative, valued at over Shs800 billion, will support the renovation and expansion of 131 schools across Uganda, including 121 traditional secondary schools and 10 special needs institutions, aiming to restore them as centres of academic excellence.

The developments signal renewed government commitment to improving learning environments and addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges in Uganda’s education