Kigezi College Butobere, Siniya Alumni Launch Siniya Academic Fund to Restore School’s Legacy
By Nathan Bahanga
Kigezi College Butobere Alumni have officially launched the Siniya Academic Fund during a ceremony commemorating Siniya Day at the school grounds. This initiative aims to support academically gifted students who struggle to afford school fees, ultimately enhancing the school’s enrollment and academic performance.
Counsel Elvis Twenda, Chairperson of the Siniya Alumni Forum (SAF), emphasized the importance of the fund, stating, “The aim of establishing this fund is to support students who perform well but cannot afford to pay school fees. This initiative will attract more students and improve the academic performance of the school. There are many students who are highly knowledgeable but unable to pay school fees.”
During the event, Counsel Elvis highlighted several challenges the school faces, particularly its deteriorating infrastructure in need of renovation. He lamented the lack of funding for essential repairs, saying, “The school is facing several challenges, including poor infrastructure that needs renovation, but we do not have enough money.”
Moses Turyomurugyendo Ntahobaari, Chairman of the Board of Governors, noted that the establishment of the Siniya Academic Fund aims to retain intelligent students who have been lured away by private schools offering bursaries. He stated, “Private schools used to take our intelligent students, especially those in Senior Three and Five, by convincing them and promising bursaries. That’s why we have established the Siniya Academic Fund to stop this practice, as it has significantly contributed to poor performance and a decline in enrollment.”
He further explained that Siniya Day serves as more than just a reunion; it is a call to action for alumni to restore the school’s glory. “For example, we provide career guidance to the students and make contributions towards certain causes, rather than waiting for the government to provide everything,” he added.
Head Teacher Justus Matsiko expressed optimism about the school’s future, stating, “As management, we have so far achieved peace, harmony, and stability within the school community. Soon, we will see the positive impact of these efforts, which is academic excellence.” He also thanked the alumni for their support, saying, “With our combined efforts, the success and glory of our school will soon be restored.”
As the guest of honor, Kabale District Resident District Commissioner Godfrey Nyakahuma urged students to maintain discipline as a cornerstone of academic success. He stated, “Discipline is the key to academic success. Without it, your potential remains untapped.”
Nyakahuma reassured attendees that the government is committed to rehabilitating traditional schools, including Kigezi College Butobere. He explained, “The government, through the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, allocated funds for the rehabilitation of Kigezi College Butobere last year, but those funds were returned because the school needed to address certain issues before receiving the money.” He assured the alumni and school management that funding would be allocated in this financial year, provided those issues are resolved.
The celebrations were held under the theme “Restoration of the Legacy We All Cherish,” and the alumni successfully raised over 70 million shillings toward the 300 million shillings needed for the project.
