A number of Bristol primary and secondary schools are linked with schools in the Masindi area of Uganda. We are partnered with Ikoba Secondary School, a small, poor (even by Ugandan standards) Church of Uganda-sponsored rural school, about 30 minutes drive out of Masindi. It has four main year-groups at present, S1-S4 (Years 8-11 equivalent), with a growing sixth form (S5 and 6). Students are prepared for the equivalent of GCSEs and A-levels (examined in English). There are more girls than boys in the school and most of them board (this is usual in Uganda). Mrs Faith Kahuma is the Headteacher, Mrs Doreen Tuhaise the Partnership Co-Ordinator.



Our partnership started in 2006. We received a DFID (government) grant to support teacher and student visits each year and to develop some curriculum projects on ‘sustainability’. This led to some exciting joint work in Science, Art, Textiles and Geography, for example. Students in Uganda love writing letters and a number of lasting friendships have started through this route. We have now received three years of ‘Connecting Classrooms’ grants from the British Council. Personal, school, faith and community relationships lie at the heart of the partnership. Many of us at the ‘richer’ school have found that Ikoba has a real wealth of faith, commitment, warmth, community and enthusiasm that is humbling.

Consequently, as we develop the partnership, we want to keep the reciprocal visits at the heart of what we do, despite the high cost of such visits.



More than fifteen staff from each school have made a visit.  Over thirty SMRT students, including some on a World Challenge expedition, have experienced Uganda and eight Ugandan students have braved Bristol culture and weather.

We have established links at all sorts of levels in addition.  Our Friends of SMRT (Parents’ Association) and some teachers, students and churches are sponsoring needy children to go through the school, including some from the troubled areas in the north of the country.  We are delighted also to support and be supported by Bristol Diocese’s Uganda links. SMRT Governors are funding a substantial annual project at Ikoba.




Universal Secondary Education was introduced to Uganda in 2007. Consequently, and related to good exam and new post-16 opportunities, Ikoba has an increase of 50% in its numbers.



The government has provided new teachers but on the condition that the school provides accommodation on site. We have supported Ikoba in building this accommodation and are encouraging further expansion, including assisting in tree planting, 'free school meals' and developing the ICT and post-16 facilities. 

We have publicised and fundraised in a number of ways, including a CD, a joint calendar, wristbands, Harvest sponsored sporting events and a Words of Wisdom joint booklet. We would be delighted if you wanted to join in with any aspect of our partnership.

Simon Stevens (Assistant Headteacher) on behalf of the SMRT/Ikoba partnership.

For further information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and/or visit Facebook group Friends of Ikoba School, Uganda.