BUHWEJU DISTRICT
Selected primary schools in Buhweju District have received Primary Practical Science Mini-Laboratory Kits from the Ministry of Education and Sports in a move aimed at strengthening practical science teaching, improving academic performance and encouraging learners to pursue science-related subjects at higher levels of education.
The kits were officially handed over on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, during a ceremony held at the Buhweju District Council Hall. The event was attended by District Education Officer Gaabami James Fred, Chief Administrative Officer Kalyesubula Fred, Resident District Commissioner Muhindo Pulkeria Mwine, District LCV Chairperson Atuhaire Deo Omuhatiizi, Vice Chairperson Atwongyeirwe Frances and Council Minister for Social Services Kasande Florence, among other education and school leaders.
According to the District Education Officer, Gaabami James Fred, Buhweju was among 31 local governments out of Uganda’s 177 local governments selected to benefit from the first distribution of the science kits.
He attributed Buhweju’s selection to the academic performance exhibited by schools in the 2025 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), although the district overall was ranked 37th nationally in the examination results.
The distribution programme targets 15 best-performing primary schools and five least-performing schools, with the intention of supporting academic excellence while also helping struggling schools improve their performance.
Each mini-laboratory kit contains 46 science items accompanied by respective manuals to guide teachers and learners on their proper use.
PHOTO:Gaabami James Fred Buhweju District Education Officer
Gaabami said the initiative is intended to shift science teaching from predominantly theoretical approaches to practical learning, enabling learners to understand scientific concepts through observation, experimentation and hands-on activities.
He thanked the Government of Uganda and the Ministry of Education and Sports for prioritising science education, as well as the Buhweju Chief Administrative Officer for supporting efforts that enabled the kits to reach the district.
The kits were provided through River Flow International Science Teaching and Innovations Africa as part of efforts to promote practical science education and innovation at primary school level.
Among the schools that received the kits were Butare Central Primary School, Kamukaki Primary School, Katiba Primary School, Nyakahita Primary School, Mushasha Primary School, Karungu Primary School, Katara Primary School, Nyakashaka Primary School and Nyakishojwa Primary School, among others.
CAO urges schools to safeguard the equipment
Buhweju District Chief Administrative Officer Kalyesubula Fred commended the Government and the Ministry of Education and Sports for extending the programme to Buhweju.
Kalyesubula said the kits would not only reward schools that have demonstrated strong academic performance but would also motivate lower-performing schools to improve their results.
He assured schools that did not benefit from the first phase that more kits would be distributed in subsequent phases.
The CAO urged teachers to ensure that the equipment is used for practical lessons so that learners can develop an interest in science from an early age.
He said practical exposure would help learners appreciate science and encourage them to pursue science subjects at higher levels of education.
Kalyesubula also challenged head teachers to protect the equipment “jealously” for the benefit of both the current and future generations of learners.
He asked school administrators to report immediately whenever any item in the kits is lost or damaged.
While addressing the head teachers, school management leaders and parents; Secretary for Social Services Kasande Florence urged head teachers and teachers to use the equipment carefully while ensuring that it remains accessible to learners.
PHOTO: Head teachers, School management leaders and parents in attendance to receive the kits in Buhweju District council hall.
Kasande cautioned schools against locking away the kits without allowing learners to benefit from them, saying the purpose of the programme is to promote practical learning.
She reminded teachers that the opportunity had come partly because of the academic performance demonstrated during the 2025 PLE examinations.
She therefore called upon teachers not to relax but instead work harder to improve the district’s academic standing, noting that continued improvement could strengthen the case for further government support to schools that have not yet benefited.
LCV Chairperson demands improved accountability
Buhweju District LCV Chairperson Atuhaire Deo Omuhatiizi urged teachers and school administrators to play their part in improving education standards in the district.
Atuhaire said he personally supports children to remain in school and urged head teachers not to allow learners’ education to be unnecessarily disrupted because of school fees.
He challenged teachers to improve academic performance beyond the previous year’s results and asked head teachers to maintain accurate and updated information on school enrolment, accountability and other key areas.
He also called upon school administrators to report challenges affecting their work to the District Education Officer and the Secretary for Social Services so that appropriate interventions can be made.
The chairman also praised the recent visit to Buhweju by Minister of State for Local Government Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, saying it had contributed to renewed attention to accountability and service delivery in the district.
He cautioned workers against negligence and conflicts of interest, saying public servants must remain committed to their responsibilities.
While overseeing the distribution of the kits, Atuhaire urged schools to designate proper laboratory spaces where the science equipment can be safely stored and used.
He further asked the District Education Officer to organise training workshops for teachers and learners to equip them with the basic skills required to operate and utilise the equipment effectively.
RDC praises government science education initiative
Chief Guest and Resident District Commissioner Muhindo Pulkeria Mwine expressed happiness over the government’s continued investment in education, science and development.
The RDC commended the Government for providing the mini-laboratory kits and for considering both the best-performing and least-performing schools.
She described the approach as part of the government’s strategy of “leaving no one behind”, saying the programme could strengthen competition among schools while giving struggling institutions an opportunity to improve.
Muhindo urged school management committees and education leaders to comply with government education policies and ensure that learners are not unnecessarily interrupted in their studies.
She also reiterated the importance of supporting government programmes aimed at increasing access to education under the Universal Primary Education and Universal Secondary Education frameworks.
The RDC later officially handed over the science kits to the beneficiary schools. The equipment was received by head teachers accompanied by school management representatives and parents’ representatives.
Teachers welcome the practical science equipment
Atukwatse Agnes, Chairperson of Buhweju District Primary Schools Head Teachers Association (BUDIPSHA), welcomed the intervention, saying teachers had for years been forced to teach some science concepts mainly through theory because of limited practical equipment.
She said the new kits would enable learners to acquire practical knowledge by observing and interacting with materials during lessons.
“We have been teaching science mostly in a theoretical way due to lack of practical equipment. Now that we have received them, our learners will acquire practical knowledge because they will be learning from what they see,” Atukwatse said.
Nuwahereza John, Head Teacher of Karembe Primary School, said the provision of practical science equipment demonstrates the importance of starting science education at primary level.
He called for further government investment in primary science education, particularly through supporting teachers with the necessary skills and resources.
The distribution marks another step in Buhweju District’s efforts to improve the quality of education by combining academic performance with practical learning. Education leaders now face the task of ensuring that the equipment is properly maintained and consistently integrated into classroom teaching so that learners can turn theoretical knowledge into practical scientific skills.
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