The Minister of Works Transport and Communication, John Nasasira has appealed to Aga Khan Development Network (ADN) to double the 1997-1998 expansion programme in order to create more room for the ever increasing number of students in primary schools.
Speaking yesterday on behalf of the vice-president at the inauguration of the Agha Khan school complex on Makerere Road, the minister said that the introduction of Universal Primary Education had increased the number of school going children from 2.9 to 5.7 million.
"I hope the Aga Khan doubles the expansion programme so as to accommodate students who will not be swallowed by the over- crowded schools, following the introduction of UPE," he said.
He noted that government policy of returning property to former owners has started paying dividends.
Nasasira said the Aga Khan School is a foundation that will foster closer ties between different races and colour for purposes of development.
On his part, his Highness, Prince Amyn Aga Khan revealed that over 100,000 students have passed through Aga Khan academic institutions in East Africa.
Prince Amyn who is the younger brother to the spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslim community, Aga Khan, said ADN will fund further improvements to the school later this year to be completed in 1998.
He revealed that ADN will also fund a research centre at Makerere University as well as foster closer co-operation with the Ministry of Education.
"The inauguration of Aga Khan Nursery and Primary School is a (part of the) ADN policy of developing training institutions in Uganda," Amyn said.
He said that upon the return of Aga Khan schools in 1993, the ADN designated funds from its economic enterprises in Uganda to support the rehabilitation of the schools. He lauded government policy of allowing private investors to invest in education.
"Government resources are not sufficient for the education needs of the country so credible private organisations should supplement government efforts." The ceremony was attended by Minister of State for Education in-charge of primary education Brig. Jim Muhwezi, Indian High commissioner, Surinder Singh Gill, MPs and members of Ismaili community.
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