In partnership with the Special Forces Command (SFC), we completed the second phase of renovation works at Nsamizi Army Primary School in Entebbe, aimed at improving the learning environment and supporting better academic performance.
The second phase involved the renovation of three blocks, including toilets. This follows the first phase, which saw the renovation of another block, marking continued efforts by NMS and SFC to improve the school’s infrastructure.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the school’s Headteacher, Mr Francis Kato, thanked NMS and the SFC leadership for their contribution towards restoring the school’s facilities, noting that the improved environment would support both the health and academic development of learners.
“You have restored our dignity and shown that you care about the health and wellbeing of our children. Children need a clean and conducive environment to learn and perform well. On behalf of the parents and staff, I thank the SFC leadership and NMS for this contribution, including the inspection works and provision of furniture. We promise to take good care of what you have given us,” Kato said.
He added that the school’s improved performance in the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) last year demonstrated the progress being made and appealed for additional structures to accommodate the growing school population.
“We still need more structures to match our school population, but we are grateful for what has been done. May the work of NMS continue to grow,” he added.
The Director of Education, Lt. Col. Edward Mugisha, said the renovations had significantly improved the conditions under which learners study, noting that children should not be expected to learn under temporary structures when better facilities can be provided.
“It is not healthy for our children to learn under a tent. NMS and SFC have greatly improved the learning environment, and the challenge is now upon us as stakeholders to build on this progress. Now that the school is shining in appearance following the renovations, we should also shine in academics,” Mugisha said.
NMS General Manager, Dr. Moses Kamabare, described the renovations as the second phase of the partnership between NMS and SFC to improve the learning environment at the school. He commended the teams involved for ensuring that the work was well executed over the two phases.
“This is phase two of our partnership with SFC to improve the learning environment at Nsamizi Army Primary School. Having seen the work done over the past two years, including the first phase, I am pleased with the outcome,” Kamabare said.
He explained that the decision to support the school was driven by the need to address the conditions in which the children were learning, despite the financial limitations faced by the institution.
“When this idea was brought to us, we did not initially realise how much intervention was needed. But when we saw the situation, it was clear that nobody would want their children to study in such an environment. It was therefore easy for us to partner with SFC. We do not have a lot of money, but the situation compelled us to squeeze our budget and make a contribution. We are glad to see the outcome,” he said.
Kamabare reaffirmed NMS’s willingness to continue supporting the school, subject to the availability of funds, and emphasised the connection between education and health.
“We promise to continue partnering with you in the future, depending on the availability of funds, because education is important for our children. An educated child is better placed to make informed decisions, including decisions about their health,” Kamabare said.
The Chief of Staff of SFC, Maj. Gen. Mango Baraza, applauded NMS for its contribution, saying the partnership was also strengthening relations between the institution and the surrounding community.
“NMS, you have done a great deal, and I must say we are proud of you. With more than half of the learners coming from the surrounding areas of Entebbe, we are happy that your contribution is helping us strengthen our relationship with the people in the community,” Baraza said.
He challenged the school administration and teachers to build on the improved infrastructure by raising academic standards and ensuring that learners benefit fully from the renovated facilities.
“The teachers now have a good learning environment, and it is upon you to improve your performance together with that of the learners. Better facilities should go hand in hand with better academic results,” he added.
The renovation project reflects NMS’s commitment to supporting communities beyond its core mandate of ensuring the availability of essential medicines and medical supplies. Through partnerships that promote education and wellbeing, NMS continues to contribute to initiatives that improve the lives of Ugandans.