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UPDF representatives in the 11th Parliament have donated state of the art dormitory to Airforce Secondary School in Entebbe.
The 200-bed dormitory worth shs98 million constructed off the salaries of the 10 MPs was on Tuesday handed over to the school by the legislators led by Gen Wilson Mbadi at a function held in Entebbe.
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Speaking during the handover, the state minister for Defence in charge of Veteran Affairs, Huda Oleru Abason hailed the MPs for exhibiting golden hearts.
“I must thank you for this gesture. You know girls have more special needs than the boys and by constructing a dormitory, you have solved some of the needs for these learners,” Huda said.
“This is a demonstration of generosity and kindness to the comrades you are representing. Indeed you have shown that you can be there for them.”
The minister applauded the UPDF MPs for complementing government in provision of education, a gesture he said should be copied by many other Ugandans for the benefit of society.
The chairperson of the UPDF caucus in parliament, Gen Wilson Mbadi said having been voted they set out to leave a legacy behind.
“ We decided we must leave something to be remembered for as members of parliament representing UPDF. We set a flat rate and contributed each month so that when we get a substantial figure decide what to do with it. We chose education and health, and especially the vulnerable girls who might not have an environment to stay safely,” Gen Mbadi said.
“We gave back to you because you sent us there.”
The deputy commander of the UPDF Airforces, Maj Gen David Isimbwa hailed the UPDF MPs for the gesture that he said will sow goods seeds among others.
“This is only from 10 MPs. If you can contribute dormitory housing around 200 students, then it speaks volumes. For many years to come, it will help students of not only soldiers but also communities around the school,” Maj Gen Isimbwa said.
The UPDF Airforces chief of staff, Brig David Gonyi described the dormitory as a testament to the vision and commitment by the 10 MPs to support education.
“The dormitory is not just brick and mortar, but a contribution and legacy that will last forever. By investing in the welfare of our students, you have underscored the political role that education plays in our lives and shaping the future of our nation,” Brig Gonyi said.
The UPDF Joint Staff formal education, sports and culture, Brig Richard Karemire described the donation as a commitment by the UPDF to provide quality and free education to children of soldiers.
“Morale is a big factor for a successful army and we are happy that through this donation you are contributing to that. This is how we can put our soldiers at peace and in turn, they focus on securing our motherland. I salute our MPs for this great donation. This is not the first time they have done this. They have made tremendous donations and it is manifestation of real patriotism and love for our forces,” Brig Karemire said.
The school headmaster, Maj Nathan Ampaire said the school with a population of 2500 learners still lacks enough facilities in form of classroom blocks, science laboratory, library and computer laboratory.
“We have only 17 classrooms but we need a total of 40 classrooms. We also would like to have a library for at least 500 students. Nevertheless, we thank you the UPDF MPs for the dormitory that will now be home from home fostering the education of these girls,” Maj Ampaire said.
Also present at the function were three other UPDF MPs including Lt Gen James Mugira, Col Victoria Nekesa and Lt Col Dr.Jenifer Alanyo.