FCA Uganda addresses secondary education accommodation challenges in Nakivale refugee settlement
Text & Images: Linda Kabuzire/FCA
Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Isingiro District, Uganda, is one of the oldest and largest refugee settlements in the country, hosting approximately 180,000 refugees, nearly half of whom are school-going children.
This has placed significant pressure on existing education infrastructure, underscoring the need for continued investment in school facilities and improved learning environments.
In response, Finn Church Aid (FCA) Uganda has commissioned new dormitory blocks at Rubondo Community Secondary School in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, with the aim of increasing access to secondary education, enabling learners to stay in school, and supporting completion.
The newly unveiled facility includes two boys’ dormitory blocks with a combined capacity of 112 beds, furnished with 224 mattresses and equipped with a solar lighting system.
The facility also features a bathroom block, latrine block, and rainwater harvesting tanks.
Partnership expands access to safe & quality education
These facilities were constructed with funding from Université de Sherbrooke (University of Sherbrooke), Canada.
FCA Uganda, in partnership with Université de Sherbrooke, has implemented the Kazoza Project, a six-month pilot initiative aimed at increasing access to safe and inclusive secondary education for refugee children in Nakivale Refugee Settlement.
The project supported the construction of key school facilities and the installation of a gravity water scheme to improve access to clean and reliable water within the school.
Université de Sherbrooke has also provided learning materials and supported teacher professional development, while running an exchange programme that enables its students to engage with learners at Rubondo Community Secondary School.
They have also provided co-curricular support, including sports equipment such as balls and uniforms.
The commissioning event, held on Friday, March 20, 2026, was presided over by Nakivale Deputy Settlement Commandant, Mr. James Mugume, on behalf of the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).
Mr. Mugume noted that the development complements government efforts.
“We are pleased with the addition of the new dormitory facilities, which complement government efforts to improve access to education. I appreciate FCA for building partnerships such as this with Université de Sherbrooke that bring about such improvements.”
“We also encourage FCA to continue bringing more developments to the area, even if they are no longer implementing partners in the settlement,” he added.
Also present was a delegation from Université de Sherbrooke, including Prof. Nathalie Roy, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Prof. Jean Gabin Ntebutse, Director of the Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education programme; and Mr. Etienne Doyon, Executive Director of Carrefour de solidarité internationale.
Prof. Jean Gabin Ntebutse, the initiator of the project, commended Uganda’s progressive refugee policy. He noted that that despite challenges, the country continues to provide unique opportunities for refugees.
He emphasized the critical role of education in shaping future leaders and strengthening communities.
“These dormitories reinforce the fact that Rubondo Community Secondary School is also a place of humanity and hope. They symbolize an environment where young people, whether refugees or from host communities, can learn together, grow together, and share a common future,” he said.
Improving conditions for learners
The project, valued at USD 201,213 (UGX 757,754,274), is particularly significant as it focuses on supporting boys’ education.
Mr. Wycliffe Nsheka, Country Director of FCA Uganda, noted that secondary education for refugees in Uganda faces severe bottlenecks, with only 11% to 12.1% enrolment, leaving a vast majority out of school.
“Key challenges include extreme poverty that limits parents’ ability to pay school fees, long distances to schools, overcrowded classrooms, a shortage of textbooks, language barriers, and high dropout rates, particularly among girls due to early marriage and domestic responsibilities.”
He further noted that there are only two secondary schools within or near the refugee settlement, forcing learners to undertake long and often unsafe daily commutes.
Mr. Nsheka emphasized that, “This investment reflects FCA’s commitment to ensuring that every refugee child has access to safe, inclusive and quality education regardless of funding cuts in the humanitarian sector. By improving learning environments, we are supporting not only access, but also retention and completion.”
He expressed appreciation to Université de Sherbrooke for its partnership in making the initiative possible.
“We are aware of the funding situation in the sector, where education is not always considered lifesaving. We appreciate partners who recognize education as a fundamental human right and a powerful tool to change the world.”
Mr. Stephen Ssenkima, Head of Program at FCA Uganda, noted that previously the school did not have dormitories for boys, forcing them to sleep in classrooms meant for learning.
“By providing dormitory facilities, we are addressing this barrier and enabling more students to attend and stay in school,” he said.
Rubondo Community Secondary School serves both refugee and host community learners from Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Burundi, and South Sudan.
The school headteacher, Mr. Edmond Mukasa, welcomed the new infrastructure, noting that it will strengthen the school’s boarding capacity and improve learning conditions.
He lauded FCA and Université de Sherbrooke for their continued support to both refugee and host community education.
Crispus Ayebazibwe, a student at the school, said the decent accommodation will go a long way in improving their welfare, hence boosting their academic performance.
“We shall now be able to stay at school, concentrate on our studies, and perform better,” said Ayebazibwe, who also serves as the school’s head boy.
He called upon Université de Sherbrooke officials to construct a perimeter wall around the dormitories to prevent students from escaping and to enhance security.
Sustainability at the heart of the project
FCA’s Eng. Simon Wakiibi highlighted the project’s focus on sustainability.
“From design to maintenance, we used durable, eco-friendly materials. The stone masonry plinth walls alone saved around 22 tonnes of firewood and 34 tonnes of carbon emissions, showing our commitment to sustainable development.”
The dormitories not only expand access to secondary education accommodation but also set a standard for environmentally conscious construction in refugee settlements.
Ongoing support to education in Nakivale
FCA supports education for refugees across settlements in Uganda.
In Nakivale Refugee Settlement, the organization focuses on strengthening access to quality education through the construction of classroom blocks and improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities.
At Rubondo Community Secondary School, FCA, with its own Disaster Funds, has already constructed four classroom blocks, helping to ease congestion and create a more conducive learning environment for students.
Safety measures following fire outbreak at a School in Rwamwanja refugee settlement
Following the recent fire outbreak at a dormitory at Ntenungi Secondary School in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement (Daily Monitor), FCA Uganda has strengthened safety measures across its supported schools to enhance the safety and wellbeing of learners.
These measures include improved fire safety awareness among students and staff, installation and maintenance of more fire-fighting equipment, and sensitization on emergency preparedness and response procedures.
FCA is also working also working with school management to ensure proper dormitory safety standards, including regular safety checks, clear evacuation routes, and adherence to safety guidelines to minimize risks.
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