The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has commissioned Ruhengyere Army Primary School in Kiruhura District, marking another step in the military’s efforts to expand education services for soldiers’ families and surrounding communities.
Located in Kayonza Parish, Kikatsi Sub-county, Nyabushozi County, the school operates under the Special Forces Command (SFC) and is part of UPDF’s network of educational institutions established to provide quality learning opportunities.
The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Brig. Gen. Richard Karemire, the Joint Staff for Formal Education, Sports and Culture at UPDF, who said the institution reflects the army’s commitment to improving the welfare of its personnel and their families.
Karemire commended the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing welfare programmes, including education.
“The construction of this entire school campus would not have been possible without the support of our CDF, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who has consistently emphasized the welfare of soldiers and their families, including supporting education initiatives,” he said.
He also praised the Special Forces Command leadership for investing resources in the development of UPDF schools.
Karemire said Ruhengyere Army Primary School is among 53 educational institutions established by UPDF to provide learning opportunities, especially for children of soldiers, allowing their parents to concentrate on their national duties.
He noted that the schools also serve communities around military installations, adding that civilian pupils currently make up the majority of learners at Ruhengyere Army Primary School.
“That is not a problem because, ultimately, we are educating Ugandans,” he said.
The UPDF official said the commissioning demonstrates continued efforts by the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and the UPDF to address challenges affecting army schools, including infrastructure gaps, shortage of learning materials, and staffing needs.
He added that the army will continue working with the Ministry of Education and Sports to improve standards in military-founded schools.
The Chairperson of the School Management Committee and Commander of the Commando Brigade, Col. CK Masembe, said the school was established in 2022 by Maj. (Rtd) Julius Bamanya, then PC 2IDTS.
Masembe explained that the school initially operated from temporary structures, a cookhouse, and under tree shades before the UPDF Directorate of Formal Education, Sports and Culture took over its management in 2023.
He said the Chief of Joint Staff later directed the SFC leadership to identify a suitable location for the school, leading to the construction of the current facilities.
The school’s head teacher, WOII Lubyayi, said the institution has recorded significant growth due to support from the SFC Education Desk and UPDF leadership.
He said construction of the classroom blocks began in December 2025 and was completed in January 2026. The school currently has three classroom blocks, consisting of seven classrooms, as well as an administration block.
Lubyayi said the school’s academic performance has also improved, noting that of the seven candidates who sat the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) last year, two obtained First Grade while five attained Second Grade.
He added that the school currently has ten Primary Seven candidates preparing for this year’s examinations.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by SFC Director of Education, Sports and Culture Col. Gilbert Owamagyezi; Commander of 3 Domisha Brigade Lt. Col. Gabriel Lomongin; senior and junior UPDF officers, community leaders, political representatives, and parents.
