Mbale SS Strengthens Student Transport Fleet with Refurbished Second Bus

Mbale Secondary School has received its newly refurbished second school bus following a five-to-six-month overhaul, in a development expected to strengthen student transportation, improve safety and enhance the institution's capacity to organise educational trips and other extracurricular activities.

The bus, registration number UA 788FY, was officially handed back to the school on Monday afternoon by Metu Bus Industries in Namanve, Kampala, where it had been undergoing refurbishment.

The refurbishment was financed through contributions from parents, demonstrating their continued commitment to supporting the school's infrastructure and improving the welfare of learners.

Speaking during the handover, the school's Headteacher, Moses Buyera, expressed excitement over the return of the bus, describing the development as an important achievement for the institution and its students.

"We have received back our fully refurbished school bus that has been away for five to six months, and we are excited on behalf of the students," Buyera said.

He noted that the returned bus brings the school's fleet to two buses, marking an important improvement in its transportation capacity.

Buyera revealed that the bus was originally purchased in 2007, making its successful refurbishment particularly significant in extending its operational lifespan and ensuring that it continues serving the school.

"At Mbale SS, we do what we say, and here is the evidence. The bus was bought in 2007. We thank God for this achievement and everyone who trusted and supported us. We pray that it serves the school for many more years," he added.

Safety concerns prompted refurbishment

Chairman of the school's Board of Governors, Eng. William Nangosyah, said the decision to refurbish the bus was largely influenced by growing concerns about road safety, particularly following several school-related road accidents reported across the country.

He explained that the board and school administration recognised the risks associated with continuing to transport learners in a deteriorating vehicle and agreed that urgent intervention was necessary.

"Early last year we witnessed many school accidents around the country and we looked at our dilapidated bus and wondered what would happen if it was carrying students," Nangosyah said.

He added that Headteacher Buyera presented the proposal to the Board of Governors, which subsequently supported the decision to have the vehicle refurbished.

"The headteacher proposed to the board that the bus be worked on, so we are grateful to the administration," he said.

Nangosyah further observed that with an enrolment exceeding 5,000 students, relying on a single bus had presented considerable logistical challenges, particularly when the school needed to organise activities involving large numbers of learners.

He thanked parents for their financial contributions, noting that their support had made the refurbishment possible and demonstrated the importance of cooperation between the school administration, governing board and parents.

PTA commends parents and school administration

The school's Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) Chairman, Patrick Maululu, also applauded the administration and Board of Governors for prioritising the refurbishment.

He praised the improved appearance of the vehicle, saying the initiative had restored the bus to a condition that reflects the school's commitment to maintaining its facilities.

Maululu particularly appreciated parents for responding positively to the school's call for financial support, describing their contributions as instrumental in achieving the milestone.

Sister schools recognised for their support

Teacher Samuel Wambi said the school had for a long time experienced the limitations of operating with only one bus, especially when several activities requiring transportation coincided.

He welcomed the return of the refurbished vehicle, saying the additional transportation capacity would ease pressure on the school's existing arrangements.

Wambi also appreciated sister institutions, particularly Nabumali High School and Nkoma Secondary School, for standing with Mbale SS whenever transportation support was needed during external school activities.

Their assistance, he noted, had helped the school navigate the challenges associated with having limited transportation facilities. 

A boost to school activities

The return of the refurbished bus marks an important step in Mbale Secondary School's efforts to strengthen its operational capacity and provide better support for its growing student population.

Beyond routine transportation, school buses play an important role in facilitating educational tours, academic excursions, sports competitions, co-curricular activities and other engagements outside the school premises.

With more than 5,000 students, the addition of a second operational bus is expected to provide greater flexibility in planning such activities while reducing the institution's dependence on external transportation arrangements.

The successful refurbishment also highlights the value of collaboration between school leadership, the Board of Governors, teachers and parents in addressing institutional challenges.

For Mbale Secondary School, the return of UA 788FY is therefore more than the restoration of an ageing vehicle. It represents a collective investment in student safety, educational opportunities and the continued development of the institution.

The school now looks forward to many more years of service from its refurbished bus as it continues working to improve the learning environment and experiences of its students.

Source: Medie Musosi/ Bugisu Intellectual Media