The Alupe Primary School, which started as a community school in 1997 and became government-aided in 2003, was closed after its classrooms developed cracks and was plagued by noise from gold mining machines. The school had over 600 pupils at the time of its closure. Wagagai Gold Mining, one of the largest gold mining companies in East and Central Africa, had fenced off the premises, denying pupils access to the school.
The management of Wagagai gold mining company, guided by Busia district authority, procured a piece of land in Alupe village and constructed a new school structure, a church, installed water taps, and fenced the premises at a cost of $200,000. The new school was commissioned on October 5, 2026, with Philip Ekisa, the Alupe village L.C.1 chairperson, expressing relief that the closure of the school had affected several children who dropped out from learning.
Robert Wandera, the chairperson of Alupe Primary school management committee, said the situation started worsening in 2018 when there was a bad smell, excessive noise, and cracks that left them in fear for the lives of learners. The committee had been pestering the Wagagai management to re-establish a school in the area. Adam Wang, the Public Relations Manager of Wagagai gold mining company, said they re-established the school following public demand and a need to maintain a continuous relationship with the community.
Bishop Samuel Bogere Egesa of Bukedi Diocese, who was the chief guest at the commissioning, appealed to parents in the gold mining area to take their children to school and ensure they are fed. He urged youths to work hard to avoid seeking white-collar jobs that have left most unemployed. Muhammad Kayira, the Busia district principal assistant secretary, said the school would begin officially next academic year and asked parents to desist from allowing their children to engage in gold mining activities.
John Charles Namayindi, the Busia district L.C.V chairman, urged the school head teacher and management to utilize the school structures properly and work hard to produce good results. The re-opening of the school is a relief to parents and pupils who had lost hope of getting a primary school in the village. Some parents had shifted their children to neighboring schools, while others had taken them to Kenya.
Wagagai Gold Mining occupies four villages in Buteba sub-county and produces around 1,000 tons of gold annually. The company's re-establishment of the school is seen as a positive move towards rebuilding its relationship with the community. The school's re-opening is expected to improve access to education for children in the area.
The re-commissioning of Alupe Primary School is a significant development in the region, and stakeholders are optimistic about the impact it will have on the community. Key initiatives have been undertaken to ensure the school's success, including the construction of new facilities and the installation of essential services.
Key points
- The school was closed due to the impact of gold mining activities on its infrastructure and the safety of its pupils.
- Wagagai Gold Mining invested $200,000 in constructing a new school structure, church, and other facilities.
- The school is expected to begin operations in the next academic year, with a focus on improving access to education for local children.
