Muhika Junior School in Kira Municipality is basking in glory after posting impressive results in the 2025 Primary Leaving Examination (PLE), registering an 85 per cent pass rate.
The school registered its pioneer PLE candidates last year, with 12 of the 15 learners attaining First Grade and three securing Second Grade, according to results released by the Ministry of Education and Sports. The performance ranked the school fourth in Kira Municipality and 245th nationally.
Following a celebratory Mass, the chairperson of the board of directors of Muhika Junior Schools, Edward Muhigirwa, said the academic success was no accident, but the result of deliberate investment in hands-on learning.
He explained that the school had intentionally embraced skills-based education through the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT), which prioritises practical competencies alongside academic instruction. While such initiatives are more common at secondary level, few primary schools have adopted structured skilling programmes.
The national DIT framework focuses on agriculture, technical trades such as electrical installation and plumbing, as well as business and creative arts. By aligning its skilling initiatives with this framework, Muhika Junior School is contributing to Uganda’s broader education reforms.
“We guide, inspire, and motivate our children for the future while equipping them with practical skills such as swimming, brooding, poultry keeping, nursery bed management, baking, agriculture, tailoring, and music. Even our nursery learners can play drums and the piano,” Muhigirwa said.
Through its Muhika Skilling Centre, the school offers training in baking, arts and crafts, tailoring, swimming, and music. Children as young as six are introduced to practical skills aimed at early talent discovery and confidence-building beyond the classroom.
“We want a holistic child who can excel in both academics and survival skills. This is why we are deliberately equipping the school digitally in all our classrooms and computer laboratories,” Muhigirwa said.
However, he noted that despite the school’s progress, operational challenges, particularly heavy taxation, continue to constrain growth and expansion.
Muhigirwa appealed to the government to consider grants and tax relief for private schools that deliver community impact, noting that institutions in the sector are subject to multiple levies, including Income Tax, Pay As You Earn (PAYE), six per cent Withholding Tax (WHT) on suppliers, Local Service Tax, Value Added Tax (VAT), and other location-specific charges.
“Instead of support, private schools are weighed down by heavy taxation. We would like the government to support us as partners in educating the nation. Grants would help us keep moving forward,” he said.
He urged government to reduce taxes on private schools to enable the sector to thrive. Meanwhile, the chairperson of the school management committee, Margaret Donata, announced plans to expand talent development programmes in 2026. These include the establishment of a soccer academy to nurture sporting talent and the acquisition of additional smart boards to enhance digital learning.
“We have realised that students learn faster when teaching is fun, intentional, and dynamic to meet current needs,” Donata said.
The school has also recorded success in co-curricular activities, with its Ballet Team recently finishing runners-up at the Voyage Munah Ballet Competition held at St Andrews Bukoto.
Little Miss Uganda
Muhika Junior School recently celebrated one of its youngest achievers. Five-year-old Bridget Mugabe, who was crowned Little Miss Uganda on December 22, 2025, will represent the country at the Little Miss and Mr International pageant in Kenya, competing against contestants from across Africa.
The headteacher, Deo Sekakoni Deo, praised the school’s holistic approach, noting that critics had initially questioned its emphasis on skills training.
“Our own Bridget Nshimire won Little Miss Uganda, proving that our approach works. We celebrate all achievements of 2025,” he said.
About the Author
