Wagagai Gold Mining Company has rolled out a school perimeter fencing programme aimed at securing public school land and improving learner safety in Busia District. The initiative was officially launched at Mawero Primary School playground in Buteba Sub-county, starting with Mawero Primary School and Mawero Islamic Primary School.

Operating in Mawero Parish, Buteba Sub-county, Wagagai Gold Mining Company is the largest Chinese-owned gold mining firm in East Africa and is projected to produce 10,000 tonnes of gold annually. Speaking during the launch on Tuesday, the company’s communication manager, Stephen Wafula, explained that the fencing project is designed to protect pupils from accidents, prevent unauthorized access to school premises, and stop land grabbers from encroaching on education facilities. The schools are being enclosed using concrete blocks and metallic bars to ensure durability.

Wafula revealed that the company has already invested Shs400 million in fencing the two schools. He added that the project will be extended in phases to other government schools located within Wagagai’s operational areas as part of its corporate social responsibility agenda.

The headteacher of Mawero Primary School, Catherine Adong, welcomed the development, noting that the fencing has sealed off open routes that were previously used by intruders. She explained that before the intervention, some classrooms had been turned into makeshift lodges, leaving learners exposed to unsafe conditions such as finding used condoms, broken windows, and missing school property.

Busia District leaders also praised the initiative. The Busia Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Benard Opoloti, observed that many government schools continue to struggle with land disputes caused by encroachers. He said Wagagai’s timely intervention will help curb such conflicts and protect public assets. Opoloti encouraged teachers to improve academic performance and service delivery as schools prepare to resume the first term.

Meanwhile, John Mulimba, the Minister of State for Regional Affairs and Member of Parliament for Samia Bugwe North Constituency, applauded Wagagai for supporting education infrastructure and improving road networks through the construction of proper drainage channels to control flash floods. However, he urged the company to consider compensating families still residing near the mining site in Alupe village, noting that effluents have polluted nearby spring wells and affected residents’ health and livelihoods.

Busia District LCV Chairman, Stephen Mugeni Wasike, called on Wagagai Gold Mining Company to strengthen collaboration with local leaders to promote sustainable development and long-term community benefits in the area.

The school fencing project marks a significant step toward enhancing safety, protecting school land, and strengthening community relations in Busia District, positioning Wagagai as a key partner in local development.