Schools in Bulambuli District are yet to receive funds for renovations ahead of reopening next week.
Last month, the Ministry of Education and Sports allowed public and government-aided schools to divert money meant for capitation grants to renovate structures ahead of the school re-opening.
The 62 Billion Shillings is part of what was allocated as capitation grants for schools in the current financial year. The grant normally is used by schools to procure instructional materials, facilitate co-curricular activities, school management, and payment of utilities like electricity and water.
The Ministry said that the money should be used to purchase basic amenities for observance of SOPs and to carry out minor repairs like roof leaks and face-lifting.
Gerald Nangoli, the Elgon North County Member of Parliament Gerald Nangoli, who was on a monitoring tour of schools says that none of them have been renovated due to lack of funds.
He said that in his assessment, the district schools are at 55% preparation ahead of Monday’s reopening and wondered when the schools will receive the money.
John Nandala, the Headteacher of Bulegeni Primary School said that the government promised to send the money for cleaning up the school which they are yet to receive.
Nandala says that he is worried that by Monday when schools reopen, the learners will have nowhere to study from because the structures are in ruins.
Simon Wakiwe, a Senior Inspector of Schools in the district said the district received money long ago but they had instructions not to utilize it until the school reopening date. He says that there are plans to disburse the funds to schools.
Stanley Bayoole, the Resident District Commissioner said that there were delays by the Ministry of Finance to disburse the money to the district. He however says the schools will receive the money soon. He adds that they have tasked the school heads to seek for service providers to begin on renovation of the schools as they wait for the funds.
