UGANDA, Kabale | Real Muloodi News | A land ownership dispute has led to the closure of Harambee High School in Kaharo Sub-county, leaving approximately 160 students stranded. The Kabale District Security Committee ordered the closure of the school until the wrangles over land ownership are resolved.
Last Thursday, on February 8, 2024, Mr. Godfrey Nyakahuma, the Kabale Resident District Commissioner, confirmed the closure of the school and advised parents to find alternative educational institutions for their children.
The land wrangles in the Kabale school arose between the administration and the neighbouring community, with Mr Ronald Sirikale, the school administrator, claiming ownership of the school structures and the land.
Mr. Nyakahuma stated that efforts to reconcile the school administrators and the community members had failed, leading to the recommendation by the district security committee to close the school temporarily.
Despite attempts to convene meetings with Mr. Sirikale for resolution, he declined to attend.
In response to inquiries, Mr. Sirikale mentioned plans for a forthcoming press conference, awaiting the arrival of other members of the Harambee fellowship team.
The Kabale District Education Officer, Mr Moses Bwengye, also confirmed the organisation of reconciliation meetings in his office.
However, Rev. Milton Nkurunungi, the secretary for the Diocese of Kigezi, expressed bewilderment over the school administrators’ claim of ownership, emphasising that the school sits on titled diocese land.
He welcomed the intervention of the RDC and awaited further guidance on the matter.
The closure of Harambee High School has raised concerns among parents and stakeholders, as students now face the challenge of travelling long distances for education. Additionally, the closure may impact scholarships received by some students.
Mr Moses Agaba, the chairperson of the Harambee fellowship, appealed to the Resident District Commissioner’s office to continue facilitating dialogue between the conflicting parties for potential reconciliation.
Established in 1997 by Hector Sutherland, a Scottish national, Harambee High School aims to provide education services to the needy, particularly orphans, in Africa.
Upon Sutherland’s departure to Scotland in 2020, he entrusted the school to Kaharo Archdeaconry Church in the Diocese of Kigezi and Mr Ronald Sirikale for administration.
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