In response to circulating information about the UPDF senior leadership's intentions to phase out army schools, starting with the closure of boarding sections, a delegation of old students from Nakasongola Army Secondary School made a courtesy call to Col. Deus Kakiga Talemwa, the Chief of Education, Sports, and Culture for the UPDF.
The delegation, comprising Dodo Joseph (CEO of APS Protective Services Ltd & Contractor, NBA&BAL Close Protection Contractor), Andaman Daku (Netherlands-based professional boxer based in Amsterdam city), Dr. Niwagaba Ambrose (Nisa Medical School), and Mzee Bwanika (Executive Secretary of Pearlwood and Chairperson for Pan African Network for Artistic Rights), aimed to address concerns raised by beneficiaries of army schools, particularly the children of serving and fallen soldiers.
Nakasongola Army Secondary School, considered a model army school, has produced over 10,000 alumni positively impacting Uganda's socio-economic well-being. The alumni, many of whom may not have had access to quality education, had it not been these army schools are now contributing to the country's development due to their parents' military service.
Mzee Bwanika emphasized that army schools are not just a patriotic idea but a womb for a new generation, and expressed concerns that removing the boarding section could be the beginning of phasing out these crucial educational institutions.
Col. Talemwa assured the delegation that the army has three major interventions: quality education for children of serving and fallen soldiers, healthcare, and accommodation. He clarified that discussions were ongoing to make army schools more affordable for soldiers rather than removing them.
During the meeting, Andaman Daku, a former student with a boxing career traced back to Nakasongola Army S.S., donated boxing kits to the school and expressed his commitment to donate hundreds more once the army boxing gym is built.
Col. Talemwa acknowledged the support from Nakasongola Army S.S. alumni, citing a fundraising show in September 2023 that raised funds for a solar system at the school. He encouraged the alumni to inspire others from different schools.
As of this publication, efforts are being made to contact the army spokesperson for further clarification on the situation.
