The Managing Director of Equity Bank, Gift Shoko (R) handsover a gift hamper to David Dima, (L) Head Teacher of Vurra Secondary School, during their visist at the school
By Joseph Mary Buwule
ARUA — Vurra Secondary School in Arua District is expanding its infrastructure as a growing number of students puts pressure on classrooms and boarding facilities.
The government-aided school, established by the Church in 1981, has been looking for ways to expand without diverting money meant for its daily operations into costly construction projects.
With public funding unable to cover major infrastructure needs, school administrators turned to external financing to support their expansion plans.
In late 2024, the school began working with Equity Bank Uganda, a partnership that enabled it to access a Shs120 million credit facility.
The financing contributed to the completion of a Shs280 million boys’ dormitory with a capacity of 120 students.
David Dima, the school’s head teacher, said the institution opened an account with Equity Bank in November 2024 before accessing the financing facility a few months later.
“We opened an account with Equity in late 2024, around November, and by January, we were granted a savings facility of Shs120 million to put up the dormitory,” Dima said.
The completed dormitory has reduced pressure on the school’s existing accommodation, particularly as the number of male students continues to rise.
Girls’ dormitory next
With enrollment expected to continue increasing, the school is now prioritising the construction of a similar facility for female students.
Dima said the proposed girls’ dormitory is expected to be completed by February 2027 to accommodate new Senior Five students joining the school in March.
“The completed dormitory currently accommodates 120 students and has eased pressure on our existing facilities,” he said.
“Now, we want to build a matching dormitory for the girls, with completion targeted for February next year so that incoming Senior Five students in March 2027 can be accommodated.”
The school expects its student population to grow to about 900 next year, with a long-term enrollment target of 1,200 learners.
Dima said limited infrastructure could eventually restrict the school’s ability to admit students who qualify for places.
“Right now, we cannot admit more students than our current capacity, yet enrollment is increasing,” he said. “I want to ensure equal opportunities for both boys and girls.”
Expansion beyond classrooms
The school is also seeking additional land to support future expansion and is considering financing options to acquire a school bus.
Administrators say the bus would improve transportation for students and potentially enable the school to attract learners from neighbouring communities.
The institution is also exploring ways of supporting teachers and non-teaching staff who are not employed on the government payroll through financial assistance packages.
Equity Bank Uganda Managing Director Gift Shoko said schools should be able to pursue infrastructure development even when they cannot finance entire projects from their own resources.
He said structured financing can allow institutions to start construction and repay the facility after the project becomes operational.
“In terms of the structure you want, you don’t have to wait,” Shoko said. “It can be put up immediately so that work starts now, where you only start paying after the block is complete and operational.”
For Vurra Secondary School, the expansion is aimed at increasing access to education while maintaining financial stability.
The school’s experience highlights how partnerships with financial institutions can help education providers address infrastructure shortages and plan for sustainable growth as demand for school places increases.