The management, staff, and pupils of St Maurice Kitasa Primary School have commended the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) for renovating one of the school’s oldest and most dilapidated classroom blocks, giving the 76-year-old Catholic-founded school a fresh lease of life.
The renovation, which included re-roofing, reconstruction, and painting, was carried out as part of the UPDF’s civil-military cooperation activities during the 44th Tarehe Sita Anniversary earlier this year.
The project was championed by Major General Felix Kulayigye, the Director of Defence Public Information, who is an alumnus of the school. His advocacy led to the inclusion of St Maurice Kitasa on the list of community projects supported by the UPDF during the 2025 Tarehe Sita Week.
Addressing teachers, parents representatives, and pupils at the school, Maj Gen Kulayigye expressed joy that the school that shaped his early life benefited from the army’s community outreach.
“It is from the heart for one to remember their roots because one who does not know where they started cannot know where they are going. To give back to your roots is not to seek praise but to acknowledge the people who nurtured your humble beginning,” he said.
He acknowledged the school’s contribution to his life and noted that it had produced not just a General but also other well-placed individuals in the country.
This is not the first time Maj Gen Kulayigye has mobilised support for the school. In 2016, he spearheaded the renovation of another classroom block that had been damaged by a fallen tree.
He pledged to continue mobilising resources to support the school, including extending electricity to the lower primary section and the Sisters’ convent. He urged the local community to contribute towards re-roofing the second block that still needs urgent attention.
He further advised that parents should teach their children to work hard for prosperity rather than wait to plead for help from the government.
Maj Gen Kulayigye reminded the pupils that success is attainable through discipline, humility, patience, and academic focus. He urged them to stay away from early involvement in politics and instead grow in patriotism and love for their country.
He cautioned girls against distractions from boys who may derail their education, and advised all pupils to live with purpose, respect for parents, teachers, and elders.
Maj Gen Kulayigye thanked the President and Commander-in-Chief, H.E. Yoweri Museveni for building a disciplined army that now serves communities, contrasting it with past regimes known for violence and impunity.
He urged locals to use the newly tarmacked Bukomansimbi road to improve their economic livelihoods and advised them to vote for leaders who will bring tangible development.
Ms Mariam Kaberuka, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner of Nyendo-Mukungwe, applauded government interventions like Universal Primary Education (UPE), which she credited for transforming lives. She criticised parents who send children to school without food and urged them to ensure every child is enrolled in school.
Rev Sr Rose Mary Nakalyowa, the school head teacher, said the UPDF’s intervention had given the school a fresh look and new hope. She revealed that it would cost over UGX 31 million to bring the remaining block to the same standard. She also highlighted the urgent need for other infrastructure and electricity in the teachers’ quarters.
Head prefect Walter Mumbere, speaking on behalf of the pupils, thanked the UPDF and Maj Gen Kulayigye for the efforts in transforming the learning environment of the school.
The event was attended by local leaders, parents, school alumni, and members of the surrounding community.
