How Muhammad and Henry’s parents have made the partial Lockdown productive

By Bayan Nalubwama

It is almost three months since schools went through the total shutdown in prevention of the effects of COVID-19 and the government of Uganda is still indecisive on dates when schools will be reopened.

While some parents are complaining on how their children are going astray because they have nothing keeping them busy, Kyomugisha Annet and her brother Tumusiime Grvazio are thinking other wise.

The two are residents of Kibuli and are parents to 11yr old Muhammad Bukenya and 12yr old Henry Akampulira respectively.

After the government launched the second total lockdown, Grvazio, a motorcyclist who happens to be Henry’s father and Muhammad’s uncle thought had on how to keep their children busy because he knew school was no to open anytime soon.

He talked to his sister and they decided to enroll their children in motorcycle garage repair to keep their minds active until they got back to school.

” The closure of schools made me take this decision because I have seen many children getting spoilt since the first lockdown. When school resumes, they will definitely go back but atleast they will have learned something.” He said

Grvazio also revealed that he understands how the world operates and it is another reason why he took them to H.S Motor Parts garage. He said that with that skill, they will never settle for poor paying jobs in the near future.

Muhammad Bukenya is in primary four at Rays of hope primary school in Kibuli while Henry Akampulira is a primary two pupil at Canan primary school in Ibanda.

“I came to Kampala to specifically learn how to repair motorcycles.., Henry said.

The two spent the first phase of the lockdown in Ibanda playing around like any other child their age.

For fear of getting wasted, Grvazio suggested that they spend time on something more productive which according to him, is motorcycle repairing.

The training and exposure has already helped them decide as non of them wants to continue their studies at the University level.

“I want to stop at senior six and go for mechanical engineering. My big brother Joseph Yiga is my inspiration. He owns a big garage in Mbarara,” Muhammad said.

“I want to stop at senior four and continue with mechanics.” Henry said

The two boys who started their training in June are already saving as they have so far saved shs. 6000/= for Muhammad and shs. 4000/= for Henry.

The challenges they have so far faced are getting harmed by engines and other machines.