House of Zakat launches Shs 640m Dr Anas Kaliisa school project
By Jafar Mugera
House of Zakat and Waqf Uganda, in partnership with Salam Charity and Iqra Foundation Mbarara, has launched the construction of a modern classroom block at Kishuro Muslim Primary School in Isingiro District to honour and immortalise the late Sheikh Dr Anas Kaliisa.
Valued at more than Shs640 million, the development will include a seven-classroom block, a library, and a fully equipped computer laboratory aimed at transforming learning conditions at the school.
The project is being undertaken in memory of the late Dr Anas Abdulnoor Kaliisa, founder of House of Zakah and Waqfu Uganda, and former chairman of Salam Charity Uganda.
“Our intent is to provide a comprehensive learning environment that supports both academic excellence and digital literacy,” said Dr Ibrahim Matovu, Head of Education at House of Zakat. “In addition to classrooms, the project will include modern sanitary facilities, with separate toilet blocks for boys, girls, and teachers,” he added.
Matovu said the choice of western Uganda was deliberate, given Dr Kaliisa’s roots in the region. Kishuro Muslim Primary School was selected partly due to its proximity to Aisha Girls’ School, a factor expected to ease the transition for female learners pursuing further education.
The ceremony was presided over by Bright Rwamirama, who commended the role of faith-based organisations in supplementing government efforts in development.
“I want to thank the House of Zakat and its partners for this initiative. I, on behalf of the Government, pledge strong commitment to support the cause, ensuring that Kishuro Muslim Primary School becomes a model institution in the region,” Rwamirama said.
“Faith-based partners, especially those from traditional religions, have done a tremendous job in supplementing government development programmes. Their footprint is visible in social service delivery sectors such as health, education, water and sanitation, among others,” he added.
He also pledged to mobilise additional funding to expand the project from seven to nine classrooms, noting that two of the planned spaces are designated for the computer laboratory and library.
Hajji Adnan Jumba, chairperson of the school’s management committee, welcomed the timely intervention, saying it would help improve enrolment, which has declined over the years due to the school’s dilapidated infrastructure.
House of Zakat also unveiled a campaign to promote academic excellence, including a scholarship programme targeting top-performing pupils.
