ICT Minister Tumwebaze Makes Good on Former School Pledge

By Francis Otucu

Information, Communication and Technology Minister Frank Tumwebaze has delivered on a pledge he made two years ago, to build a classroom block at his former school, back in the constituency.

”Two years ago, I pledged to build a two classroom block and an office for the school in memory of that past. With the support of friends who supported my fundraising drive, I have finally delivered on my pledge and today, I commissioned the two classroom block,” Tumwebaze, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kibale County in Kamwenge district, wrote in a social media post.

He explained the circumstances under which he joined the school.

“The year 1985 I was in Primary three (P.3) at Bisozi (or Bishozi in Runyankore) Primary School. During the Second term holidays of that year, Part of the #NRA forces as they advanced to Fort Portal entered into an ambush of the #GOVT forces then at our school along Kyenjojo-Kahunge-Fort Portal road. The fighting lasted for about one hour and both sides registered casualties,” Tumwebaze wrote.

He added that the then government forces abducted the P.7 candidates who were at the school for their holiday coaching together with the Reverend found at School.

“They released the children and walked back home after two days. The parents and management of Bisozi Primary school decided to temporariy close the school for a year. My Parents relocated me to our neighbouring church school called Kaberebere Primary school which only had four classes. I studied the whole of my form 4 (Primary four) from there, taught by only one teacher called Darico Kimara,” he added.

According to Tumwebaze, Bisozi School was re-opened at the end of 1986.

“I was able to rejoin Bisozi Primary School in 1987 for my Primary five. If Kaberebere church school hadn’t been there perhaps I would have missed a class or drop out of school all together. I thank God for that,” he narrated.