The donated computerized MotorBoat to Bwama Primary School will help pupils cross Lake Bunyonyi
Uganda Revenue Authority, together with 27 partners, have donated a motorboat and life jackets to safely ferry pupils of Bwama Primary School.
The boat, together with 70 life jackets have been handed over jointly by the area Member of Parliament, David Bahati and URA Commissioner General John R. Musinguzi, to the school management and community leadership cost Shs 115 million.
URA’s heed to the cause came after a series of news stories ran in 2017 capturing the plight of children crossing Lake Bunyonyi to attend school. In response, URA sought partnership with several organizations. 27 companies came on board taking part in the first charity football encounter between The Tax body and the Taxpayers dubbed The Tax Derby.
Out of the Shs 115 million paid for the boat, URA contributed Shs 41 million while the rest of the partners put together Shs 13.6 million.
Speaking at the handover, URA CG Musinguzi explained the delays in procuring the boat.
“I am delighted that we are handing over this albeit after a few delays. The boat was initially estimated to cost Shs 80m. However, market prices shot above our estimates to over Shs 100m which delayed our delivery because URA had to go through a longer process to raise a top up of over Shs 40m,” said Musinguzi.
He, however, applauded the children from Bwama Primary School for enduring the different hardships and persisting to attend school to make something of themselves and their future.
“I urge you dear children not to faulter even during hardships because you will one day emerge winners. The hard times are preparing you for the great things ahead. Make the best out of your situation and prepare to become our great leaders tomorrow,” he said.
The CG pledged URA’s further support to the school community and urged the leadership to maximise and sustain the small donation as they wait for the plans from government towards the development of the area.
Area MP Bahati was overjoyed with URA’s contribution to the area, commending the authority URA’s growth in revenue performance in the last 30 years.
“I am grateful for the kindness that URA has exhibited in this cause because on top of revenue growth in the last 30 years, they as staff and management, do raise funds to support communities through CSR initiatives like this one. My people and I are grateful for this kindness,” said Bahati.
The MP further pledged Shs 10 million towards the maintenance of the boat and also noted that government is planning to bring two ferries that will connect and ease transport to and from Bwama Island.
“I would like to mention that government has pledged to bring two ferries that will ease transportation. We anticipate that the ferries will be built by January 2022. However, while we wait, let us appreciate this great gift from URA and her partners,” added Bahati.
In addition, as part of commemoration of 30 years of existence, URA donated hospital equipment worth UGX 50 million to China- Uganda Friendship Hospital in Naguru on 10th September, 2021. Thereafter, on 24th September 2021, URA staff countrywide engaged in 70 CSR initiatives worth over UGX 166 million, to bolster change in the communities and create an enjoyable working relationship.
