#DOCUMENTARY

In the heart of Rukiga County, Rukiga District of the Kigezi Sub Region of South Western Uganda, Hon. Roland Ndyomugyenyi Bish, the Member of Parliament representing the area, is making a significant impact through a transformative education initiative.

The legislator, widely known as "The Fixer," has taken on the responsibility of funding the education of over 100 students and still counting across various schools in the region, a commitment that predates his election to Parliament.

Drawing from his own experiences of hardship in accessing education, Bish initiated this program to ensure that financial barriers do not hinder the academic progress of students in his constituency.

This initiative currently supports over 30 students at Bukinda Secondary School, more than 40 at Kabale Brainstorm High School, and several others at institutions like St. Paul’s Secondary School.

To formalize and expand this effort, Bish established the Hon. Bish Education Trust Fund in 2022, a legally registered entity under the government of Uganda. The Trust Fund focuses on supporting academically talented students from all sub-counties within Rukiga District, especially those who perform well in their Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE).

“At least two of the best-performing students in PLE are selected from each of the six sub-counties in the entire district every year, making a total of 12,” Bish explains. He adds that, in addition to these 12 selected for their performance, the Trust also considers supporting other needy students who may not be top performers but struggle to afford secondary school fees.

Currently, the Fund sponsors over 100 students, with Bish personally contributing approximately UGX 20 million each academic term to cover their tuition and related expenses.

Some of the students supported by Hon. Bish have already completed their studies, earning various diplomas and degrees. The pioneer class of the Hon. Bish Education Trust Fund is now in Senior 3 and preparing to enter their candidate year in 2025.

This marks a significant milestone for the program, which has already made a substantial difference in the lives of these young learners.

At Bukinda Secondary School, the impact of Bish’s initiative is evident, with many students from financially challenged backgrounds now able to focus on their studies without the worry of school fees.

Similarly, Kabale Brainstorm High School has seen not only an increase in student enrollment but also a notable improvement in academic performance, attributed to the stability and encouragement provided by the initiative.

Students benefiting from the program express profound gratitude, noting that the support has allowed them to concentrate on their studies and aspire to greater achievements. The initiative has also fostered a sense of motivation and responsibility among the students, who are inspired by Bish's example to work hard and pursue their educational goals.

The Hon. Bish Education Trust Fund has become a beacon of hope in Rukiga County, offering crucial support to students who might otherwise have been forced to abandon their education due to financial constraints. As the pioneer class prepares for their final exams for the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) in 2025, there is optimism that the initiative will continue to grow, extending its reach to even more students in need.

By investing in the education of Rukiga County’s youth, Hon. Bish is not only transforming individual lives but also contributing to the long-term development and prosperity of the entire region. His commitment to education underscores his broader vision for the community, demonstrating how targeted initiatives can bring about meaningful change at the grassroots level.

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