By Fort Portal, Uganda – In a heartfelt appeal to the central government, alumni of St. Leo’s College Kyegobe have urged increased support for the revival of traditional schools across the country. This call comes in the wake of several significant projects that the old boys have recently commissioned at the school, all aimed at enhancing the learning environment and restoring the institution to its former glory.
Founded in 1921, St. Leo’s College Kyegobe was once one of the most prestigious educational institutions in Uganda, known for its academic excellence and producing some of the country’s leading figures. However, like many traditional schools, it has faced significant challenges in recent years, with declining enrollment and deteriorating infrastructure threatening its very existence.
Five years ago, the school’s enrollment had plummeted to just 160 students, a stark contrast to its previous years of thriving academic life. Concerned by this decline, the alumni, united under the St. Leo’s College Kyegobe Old Boys Association (SLCKOBA), embarked on a mission to revive the institution. Through their relentless efforts, they managed to raise over 1 billion Ugandan shillings, a remarkable feat that has played a crucial role in the school’s recovery.
These funds have been instrumental in addressing some of the most pressing issues at the school, including the sponsorship of bright but needy students, the rehabilitation of aging infrastructure, and the support of the teaching staff. Despite these efforts, however, the school continues to face significant challenges, particularly in the area of staff remuneration. Of the 49 teaching staff members, only 23 are on the government payroll, leaving the school struggling to meet the salaries of the remaining teachers who are not.
The old boys have not only provided scholarships to deserving students but have also taken on the daunting task of maintaining and improving the school’s infrastructure. Their efforts have seen enrollment numbers steadily climb back up to around 600 students, a significant improvement but still far from the school’s full capacity.
In a recent statement, the old boys emphasized the critical role that traditional schools like St. Leo’s College Kyegobe play in shaping the nation’s future leaders. They appealed to the government to consider including such institutions in its budget allocations, ensuring that they receive the necessary funding to continue their legacy of academic excellence. The alumni believe that with proper government support, St. Leo’s College Kyegobe can not only regain its former status but also significantly contribute to the development of a prosperous and educated nation.
“Education is the cornerstone of any nation’s progress,” one of the alumni leaders remarked. “We have done our part as old boys, but the challenges we face, particularly in funding, require more than just our contributions. We need the government to step in and recognize the importance of reviving traditional schools like St. Leo’s. With adequate support, these schools can once again become centers of excellence that produce the leaders of tomorrow.”
The old boys’ appeal comes at a time when the education sector in Uganda is grappling with numerous challenges, including inadequate funding, teacher shortages, and outdated infrastructure. Many traditional schools, once the pride of the nation, are struggling to survive in the face of these obstacles.
The government’s response to this appeal will be closely watched, not just by the alumni of St. Leo’s College Kyegobe, but by stakeholders in the education sector across the country. The old boys are hopeful that their efforts will not be in vain and that the government will heed their call to action, recognizing the vital role that traditional schools play in Uganda’s educational landscape.
As St. Leo’s College Kyegobe continues its journey of revival, the support of both the government and the wider community will be crucial in ensuring that this historic institution can once again fulfill its mission of providing quality education and shaping the future of the nation.
