President Yoweri Museveni has contributed a total of 30m to aid the construction of classroom block and computer laboratory at to Rweicumu Primary School Sheema district.
The school, established in 1965 boasts of over 645 pupils who according to the head teacher lack enough classroom blocks.
Presiding over the fundraising drive, Vice President Jessica Alupo who represented President Museveni urged the people of Ankole to champion the education of the girl child.
"I appeal to the people of Ankole to drop unsustainable practices that tend to overlook the need to keep the girl child in school and also ensure that both girls and boys complete the education cycle," Alupo said.
Alupo urged parents to have a positive attitude and be champions in fostering the education of the girl child even after they have given birth whilst still in school.
Alupo vehemently spoke out on the archaic cultural practices of marrying off young girls before they finish school.
"Know that there is concerted efforts by parents to educate their children. But there are certain cultures that are archaic and detrimental to the girl child," Alupo noted.
She explained that cultures like Female Genital Mutilation are obsolete and do not suit the interest of the girl child and humanity," the Vice President said.
Alupo appealed to parents to let girl children complete their education cycle and also m allow them make informed choices.
"The other culture of taking away the girl before she's 18 years and above for marriage is alo counter productive. Her body is too young to carry a baby," Alupo stressed.
She told parents that any girl denied an education could be a Vice President tomorrow, Member of Parliament tomorrow or leader.
Alupo urged the people of Ankole to oppose this kind of attitude as it's detrimental to the future of the girl child.
Over 75m was collected at the fundraising, in cash and pledges.
Earlier in the day the Vice President also commissioned the newly constructed Mabaare Health Centre III.
She also handed over 20 heifers to locals in Sheema district and theb program will continue to other sub counties of the district.
Alupo also made a contribution of Sh25m in cash and pledges towards the construction of classroom block and laboratory.
Peter Abaine, husband to H.E the Vice President and friends mobilised a total of Sh15m towards the fundraising drive.
The health centre- constructed by government at a cost of Shs513m, consists of a maternity ward, children, male and female wards and sanitary facilities among others.
The facility stands to serve a population of over 14774 people from Masheruka Town Council, Buhweju, Mbarara and Kigalama sub county. It sits on 3acres of land donated by the Kakira family will offer services like Antenatal care, Immunization, HIV/Aids care, TB service and family planning services. It also treat patients with diseases like Malaria, Respiratory Tract Infections, admissions and Out Patients services.
*Background*. In 2019, government announced that it would upgrade 206 health centre (HC) 11s to health centre 111s countrywide to improve service delivery at local government level.
The upgrade aims at reducing maternal mortality and bring a comprehensive package of maternal and laboratory services closer to the people. Several health centre IIs have already been upgraded.
The project is implemented under Uganda Reproductive Maternal and Child Health Improvement project with support from the World Bank
While commissioning the facility, Vice President Jessica Alupo cautioned and advised health professionals to treat members of the public with the necessary courtesy and professionalism, and to offer good quality services.
Alupo stated: “All health workers must at all times treat members of the public with the necessary courtesy and professionalism wherever they visit clinics, health centres and hospitals for treatment. It goes without saying that to deliver high-quality healthcare services, we need to have reliable infrastructure, equipment, medicines and enough health personnel”.
She noted that government through the health ministry aims to provide integrated, affordable and accessible quality healthcare services and social services which are responsive to the needs of the population through the construction of modern health facilities, training and recruitment of qualified healthcare professionals and the provision of equipment and healthcare supplies and clinical items,” She added.
According to Sheema district health officer, Edrida Kebaraza, the health centre has been upgraded to health centre 111 and according to statistics, the centre handles over 800 patients monthly.
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