Renovated Bukoto Islamic Primary School gives learners renewed hope

By Our Reporter

For years, pupils at Bukoto Islamic Primary School walked into classrooms that bore the visible effects of age and neglect.

The walls had faded, sections of the infrastructure had deteriorated, and the learning environment reflected decades of wear and tear. Yet every morning, teachers remained committed to their work and learners continued pursuing their dreams within one of Kampala’s oldest public schools.

Today, that story is changing.

Learners are now stepping into brighter, freshly renovated classrooms painted in vibrant green and yellow, creating an environment many believe will inspire a renewed passion for learning and academic excellence.

The facelift of Bukoto Islamic Primary School in Nakawa Division has not only transformed the physical appearance of the institution but has also restored hope among learners, teachers, parents, and the wider community.

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

For Headteacher Aidah Nabwami, the transformation goes far beyond fresh paint and repaired structures.

“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 evident during the official handover ceremony as pupils proudly moved through the renovated classrooms, admiring their new learning spaces. For many learners, the improved facilities represent an opportunity to study in a setting that reflects their aspirations and potential.

It is this impact on children that Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki says matters most.

Describing the renovation as a historic milestone for the school, Buzeki said the project demonstrates what can be achieved when government institutions and private sector partners work together to improve educational opportunities.

“This is a historic event,” Buzeki 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.”

She noted that while KCCA continues to invest in education services across the city, partnerships with the private sector remain critical in accelerating improvements within public schools.

Buzeki commended Bukoto Islamic Primary School for maintaining its strong reputation for delivering quality and inclusive education despite years of 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.”

She also encouraged parents to embrace public schools and take advantage of the opportunities available within the education system.

In particular, Buzeki called upon parents of children with special needs to consider enrolling them at Bukoto Islamic Primary School, noting the institution’s commitment to inclusive learning.

The school is among KCCA’s 79 public schools and forms part of the authority’s broader efforts to strengthen education infrastructure and service delivery across Kampala.

Nakawa Division Mayor Ali Buken, popularly known as Nubian Li, said the renovated school sends a powerful message to learners about their value and future.

“A good school tells children that they matter,” he said.

Education experts have long emphasized the importance of a conducive learning environment, noting that clean, safe and welcoming classrooms contribute to improved attendance, better concentration, stronger confidence and enhanced academic performance.

That belief inspired Universal Multipurpose Enterprises to support the renovation project.

The company’s Managing Director, Yeolawala Muffadal, said the decision was driven by a desire to contribute to the future of Uganda’s children through improved education facilities.

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

He stressed that education remains one of the most important investments any society can make, noting that supporting learners today helps build stronger communities and a more prosperous nation tomorrow.

While Universal Multipurpose Enterprises is widely known for providing affordable housing solutions, Muffadal said investing in education is equally important because it contributes to the development of the human capital required for national growth.

For the learners of Bukoto Islamic Primary School, the renovated classrooms represent more than improved infrastructure. They symbolize renewed confidence, greater opportunity and a brighter future.

As the school approaches its centenary, the transformation serves as a reminder that investing in education is ultimately an investment in the next generation of leaders, innovators and nation-builders.