The Parish Priest of Rutooma Catholic Parish in Buhunga Sub-County, Rev. Fr. Fisher Byomuhangi, has sharply criticized the government for neglecting St. Francis Buhunga High School’s infrastructure since the school was established in 1984.
Fr. Byomuhangi spoke during celebrations at school promises recognising the school’s performance in the 2025 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations. He thanked teachers for their commitment under difficult conditions and urged government action to unlock the school’s full potential.
Fr Byomuhangi said that the school has potential to compete nationally, but that potential will remain untapped until the government addresses its infrastructure deficits, noting a shortage of staff housing, limited government-paid teachers and inadequate laboratories, libraries and classrooms.
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Headteacher Julius Mugisha Kakwara said the school employs 43 teachers, 28 of whom are on the government payroll while 15 are paid by parents. He warned that relying on school funds to pay teachers places a heavy financial burden on the institution and undermines long-term stability.
Kakwara praised the 2025 candidates for their results: all 100 UCE candidates passed in Division One, and the school recorded its first-ever 20-point UACE candidate, Rosean Akankwasa. An additional 16 UACE students scored between 15 and 19 points — achievements he said underline the school’s academic potential despite severe resource gaps.
However, Kakwara outlined persistent challenges. He said no permanent government-built structures exist on campus, the teaching gap stands at 45.5 percent, and roughly 65 percent of teachers lack accommodation at the school. The institution also lacks a main hall, has insufficient classrooms—forcing some lessons to be held under trees—and operates with limited library and laboratory facilities.
Kakwaara appreciate the government’s contribution in paying some teachers, but urgent intervention is needed if we are to sustain and improve these results.
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Buhunga Sub-County LC3 chairperson Benon Mugisha, popularly known as Auntie, urged parents to support education equally for boys and girls, stressing that balanced education builds strong families and communities.
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Rukungiri District Catholic Education Coordinator Ziine Narcisio, representing Kabale Diocese, also appealed to the government to provide tangible support and infrastructure development for the school.
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Stakeholders say that with improved facilities and staffing, St. Francis Buhunga High School can build on its recent successes and compete more broadly at the national level.
