Arua, Uganda — Vurra Secondary School in Arua District is expanding its infrastructure to accommodate a growing student population, with support from Equity Bank Uganda enabling the institution to complete a new 120-bed boys’ dormitory.
Founded by the Church in 1981 and now government-aided, the school has faced increasing pressure on its classrooms and accommodation facilities as enrollment continues to rise.
To address the infrastructure gap, the school partnered with Equity Bank Uganda in late 2024 and subsequently secured a Shs120 million credit facility that contributed to the completion of a Shs280 million boys’ dormitory.
“We opened an account with Equity in late 2024, around November, and by January, we were granted a savings facility of Shs120 million to put up the dormitory,” said David Dima, the Head Teacher of Vurra Secondary School.
The completed dormitory accommodates 120 students and has eased pressure on the school’s existing accommodation facilities, particularly for boys.
However, the school is now planning to construct a similar facility for girls as it prepares for further growth.
“The completed dormitory currently accommodates 120 students and has eased pressure on our existing facilities,” Dima said. “Now, we want to build a matching dormitory for the girls, with completion targeted for February next year so that incoming Senior Five students in March 2027 can be accommodated.”
The school expects its enrollment to reach 900 students next year, with a long-term target of 1,200 learners.
Dima said the growing demand for places could force the school to turn away qualified students if additional classrooms and accommodation facilities are not constructed.
“Right now, we cannot admit more students than our current capacity, yet enrollment is increasing,” he said. “I want to ensure equal opportunities for both boys and girls.”
In addition to expanding accommodation, the school is acquiring more land to support future development and is exploring flexible financing options to purchase a school bus.
According to the school administration, the bus would improve transportation and help the institution attract students from surrounding communities.
The school is also developing financial support packages for teachers and non-teaching staff who are not on the government payroll.
Equity Bank Uganda Managing Director Gift Shoko said financial constraints should not prevent schools from implementing important infrastructure projects.
Shoko said structured financing allows institutions to undertake projects immediately and repay the loans over time.
“In terms of the structure you want, you don’t have to wait. It can be put up immediately so that work starts now, where you only start paying after the block is complete and operational,” Shoko said.
For Vurra Secondary School, the partnership with Equity Bank demonstrates how strategic financing can help educational institutions address infrastructure challenges while maintaining their day-to-day operations.
As enrollment continues to grow, the school hopes its planned expansion will create more opportunities for learners in Arua and surrounding communities while providing adequate and equal facilities for both boys and girls.
