Company aims to support vulnerable pupils across three primary schools near its Buteba operations

Wagagai Gold Mining Company has stepped up to support vulnerable children in Busia District by donating 22.5 million Ugandan shillings to cover education-related needs for 50 orphans. The funds, earmarked for three nearby primary schools in Buteba sub-county, are intended to ease shortages in school supplies, uniforms, and other essentials that hinder learning.

Ambiance and program details
The initiative was unveiled during a meeting at Mawero Primary School in Busia District. Stephen Wafula, Wagagai’s Communications Manager, announced that the company has already begun by covering the immediate school requirements for the selected beneficiaries. He noted that the beneficiaries were identified as the most vulnerable children, many of whom are preparing for examination in the final year of primary school (P.7) and lack adequate resources.

Key participants included:

• Okware Christopher, Head Teacher, Mawero Islamic Primary School, who highlighted ongoing challenges faced by some parents in providing basic learning materials and uniforms, which have impacted student performance.
• Beneficiary voices (vox pops) expressed gratitude for the support while acknowledging concerns about guardians’ ability to sustain school fees and related costs. The learners urged Wagagai to consider additional support for guardians as the program progresses.
• Adam Wang, Wagagai’s General Manager, explained that the company’s involvement is part of broader community support in response to observed needs, noting that mining operations have not yet commenced. He urged the community to be patient as the organization evaluates long-term opportunities to contribute.

Anthony Wanyama, Busia District Education Officer, described Wagagai’s educational donation as timely, pointing out that local grants for learning are limited. He called on parents to place greater emphasis on educating their children and welcomed continued collaboration with the company.

Moving forward, Wagagai officials indicated a plan to monitor the program’s impact and explore additional avenues to support learners and their guardians, with the aim of sustaining educational progress in the district beyond the immediate donation.

• Stephen Wafula, Wagagai Communications Manager: “We have started by paying all school requirements for the selected orphans and will continue to support vulnerable students as needed.”
• Okware Christopher, Mawero Islamic Primary School Head Teacher: “The challenge remains that some parents cannot provide essentials like books and uniforms, which affects learner performance.”
• Adam Wang, Wagagai General Manager: “We are providing community support to the vulnerable due to the appalling state we have noticed. Please bear with us as we begin this initiative.”
• Anthony Wanyama, Busia District Education Officer: “The initiative is timely and much-needed; I urge parents to prioritize their children’s education.”