Gayaza Junior School has launched a Shs 704 million fundraising campaign for a new school bus, saying its expansion into two campuses about 40 kilometres apart has made reliance on hired transport increasingly costly and inconvenient.
The school has already raised Shs350 million, leaving Shs354 million to meet the target. Head teacher Sarah Tebuguwa Kizito said the transport challenge has grown alongside the 120-year-old school, with more pupils, staff and activities now requiring regular movement.
“The increasing number of pupils, staff, educational trips, sports and other school activities has created a greater need for safe, reliable and convenient transport,” Kizito said.
“Dependence on hired vehicles is costly, tedious and sometimes inconvenient for the school.”
For Gayaza Junior, the bus is intended to solve more than the logistical problem of moving between campuses. School activities can take place simultaneously, requiring pupils, staff and equipment to move between locations.
It would also provide transport for educational tours, music, dance and drama (MDD), sports and other co-curricular programmes. The proposed bus will carry 67 pupils per trip but will be available to the entire school.
Kizito said owning a bus should make participation in activities outside the classroom safer and more reliable.
“It will help ensure that our learners can participate fully in academic, sporting, cultural, religious and educational programmes without transportation becoming a barrier,” she said.
The fundraising drive is targeting parents, alumni, companies, organizations, well- wishers and the wider public, including former pupils and friends of the school living abroad. Contributions can be made through cash donations, pledges or by mobilizing other potential donors.
Kizito said even those unable to make large contributions could give what they can. The campaign could run for about a year, depending on how quickly the remaining Shs354 million is raised.
The school has, however, already selected the type and specifications of the bus and hopes to purchase it at the beginning of October 2026 if the target has been reached. Kizito said donors will receive receipts and acknowledgement messages, while the school plans to provide termly updates and a final financial accountability report.
Once acquired, the bus will be regularly inspected and serviced, including checks on its tyres, brakes, lights, steering and other safety systems. The school also plans to employ a qualified driver experienced in transporting children.