Government donates science kits to 20 primary schools in Lamwo

The Ministry of Education and Sports, through its Basic Education Department, has donated science kits and mini laboratory equipment to 20 primary schools in Lamwo District in a bid to strengthen the teaching and learning of science.

The equipment, officially handed over to the District Education Department on Monday, was distributed to selected schools across the district including Agoro Primary, Palabek Kal, Padibe Boys, Padibe Girls, Palabek Gem, Awic, Pamgira, Layamo Agwata, Paracele, Layango, Potika, Wanglango, Madi Opei, Kwoncok, Ogwangcan, Ogakolacan, Lalak, Opoki, and Ayuu Alali primary schools.

For many of these schools, the kits represent the first structured access to basic laboratory materials. Teachers in rural Lamwo have long struggled with limited or improvised resources when explaining scientific concepts. In some schools, teachers have had to rely on sticks, stones, or bottle tops to demonstrate lessons on measurement, magnetism, or plant growth.

Lamwo District Education Officer, Banabas Langoya, described the initiative as a much-needed boost.“This is a significant step in bridging the gap in science learning materials in our schools. We believe the equipment will enhance classroom participation and help learners grasp concepts more easily,” he said.

Head teachers say the donation could not have come at a better time. Atto Anna, Head Teacher of Labanyago Primary School, explained that teachers often faced the challenge of improvising materials to keep lessons practical.

“We sometimes used local materials, but they were not always effective. With these kits, our pupils will see and touch real laboratory tools, and this will make science more exciting,” she noted.

Parents and learners also welcomed the development. Eleven-year-old Apio Florence, a Primary Six pupil at Padibe Girls Primary School, said she was eager to try out the new materials.

“We used to only read in books. Now we shall be able to test things ourselves,” she said with a smile.

Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Robinson Oyoo, who is the chief guest during the handover to benefiting schools, urged schools to safeguard the kits and, where possible, share them with neighbouring schools that did not benefit from the donation.

“This equipment should be handled with care so that it serves many generations of pupils. We also encourage schools to work together so that every child in Lamwo has access to practical science learning,” he advised.

The Ministry of Education has, in recent years, prioritised investment in science education as part of a broader strategy to prepare learners for future opportunities in technology, innovation, and national development.

Officials argue that developing scientific curiosity at an early age is critical to building a generation capable of addressing Uganda’s development challenges.

For Lamwo, one of the districts still recovering from years of conflict and underdevelopment, the donation is more than just new classroom materials. It represents hope for a future where children from rural schools can compete favourably with their peers across the country.

As the kits were delivered, excitement ran high among teachers and pupils alike. In many of the beneficiary schools, teachers immediately began planning new lessons that would make use of the equipment.

For pupils like Florence, the science kits are not only about better grades but also about dreams of one day becoming doctors, engineers, or scientists.