By The Repondents Reporter
Extension Officers in Kanyigo and Kashenye Wards — and across Kagera Region — have been urged to pull up their socks and serve the people with renewed dedication and accountability.
The call comes as communities emphasize that the ultimate goal of these officers is to empower local residents, especially farmers and livestock keepers, to rise out of the web of poverty and build a brighter future.
The message was delivered by Retired Colonel Ngemela Lubinga, Chairperson of the Kanyigo and Kashenye Wards Development Association (KADEA), during the Association’s general meeting held earlier this week at Kanyigo Secondary School hall.
Lubinga didn’t mince words. He expressed concern that some Extension Officers have grown distant from the people they are meant to serve, leading to poor agricultural productivity and frustrated farmers who don’t know where to turn for help.
“Many young officers seem to think they are accountable only to their employers, forgetting that communities themselves are the first assessors of their performance,” said Lubinga. “When KADEA raises concerns, we are simply waving a yellow flag — warning them before the employer raises the red one.”
He added that KADEA recently convened a meeting with Extension Officers from both wards to exchange ideas and chart a way forward for improving services to farmers and increasing production.
Lubinga also shared good news on the academic front. Kanyigo Secondary School, owned by KADEA, achieved remarkable results in the recent CSEE and ACSEE national examinations. Out of 337 candidates, every student scored either Division One, Two, or Three — no Division Four or Zero in sight.
“This feat places Kanyigo Secondary School among the cream of Kagera region’s top-performing institutions,” Lubinga proudly noted.
The school’s Headmaster, Salim Mbazira, reported that current enrollment stands at 617 students, though the school has capacity for 1,100. He encouraged parents and guardians to enroll more children, saying that KADEA’s investment in education is meant to benefit every household in the wards.
The assembly also took time to applaud Mwemezi Ngemera, a proud alumnus of Kanyigo Secondary and Director of DAMAX Solutions, a company owned by Kanyigo residents. Mwemezi’s firm has extended a helping hand through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. Recognizing that some bright students face financial hurdles, DAMAX Solutions has sponsored several learners from low-income families,
who excelled in their Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE).
So far, three sponsored students have successfully completed their studies, while four others are progressing to Form Two. The company pledged to continue widening its support base.
“By educating these young minds, we’re building a firm foundation for families and nurturing future leaders who will drive the development of Great Kanyigo and our nation,” said Mwemezi.
Moreover, the meeting acknowledged the efforts of other well-wishers and alumni — including Professor Japhet Kashaigili — who have tirelessly mobilized resources and linked the school with new funders.
During the meeting, a member, Dr. Daniel Ndagala challenged KADEA fellow members to walk the talk by enrolling their own children in Kanyigo Secondary School instead of sending them elsewhere. His question struck a deep chord, leaving some members quietly bowing their heads — a reminder that sustainable development begins at home.
As the session drew to a close, the mood was hopeful yet sober. The message was clear: when communities join hands, hold their leaders to account, and invest in their children’s education, no goal is too high and no challenge too daunting.