Hundreds of learners in Kamuli and Kyegegwa districts are set to benefit from improved access to education after CooP-Uganda and partners handed over 450 bicycles to nine secondary schools under the WeLearn–WeTeach Bicycle Empowerment Programme 2026–2027.
In Kamuli District, 250 bicycles were presented to Bulopa SS, St John Bosco SS, St Paul SS, Mbulamuti, and Namasagali College, to be officially handed over between 8 and 30 June 2026.
In Kyegegwa District, 200 bicycles were handed over to Rwentuha Seed Secondary School, Mpara Secondary School, Kakabara Secondary School, and Kibuye Secondary School between June 16 and 19.
The programme—implemented by CooP-Uganda in partnership with Enabel, the Ministry of Education and Sports, the European Union, and Belgium—hands bicycles over to schools as institutions and manages them through a structured Bicycle Management System to ensure responsible learner access.
Across both districts, many learners walk more than five kilometres to school daily, with some travelling up to 15 kilometres each way. Stakeholders say these long journeys contribute to lateness, absenteeism, poor academic performance, and school dropout, especially among girls.
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Kabaale Edgar, General Manager of CooP-Uganda, said the initiative is designed to remove one of the biggest barriers between learners and education.
“A bicycle may look simple, but for many learners it means arriving at school on time, attending classes consistently and staying in school longer. This programme is about dignity, opportunity and keeping education within reach,” he said.
Under the programme, each participating school receives 50 bicycles and two spare bicycles, alongside parking infrastructure, maintenance toolkits, pumps, and mechanic tools. Learners and staff also receive riding, maintenance and repair training, learner-led cycling clubs, and the training of five local mechanics per district to support long-term sustainability.
Joeri Leysen, Project Manager of the WeLearn–WeTeach Project at Enabel, emphasised that the programme strongly supports gender inclusion and community ownership.
“We engaged communities directly on cultural attitudes around girls cycling because lasting impact only comes when communities support the solution. Better transport for girls means better attendance, improved safety and stronger chances of completing school,” Leysen said.
Programme guidelines require that at least 40 percent of bicycle beneficiaries are female learners, with schools encouraged to exceed this target. The implementers further noted that improved transport is expected to boost attendance, punctuality, retention, and overall academic performance.
To measure results, the programme includes action research to monitor attendance, punctuality, retention, and learner safety, with findings intended to help shape future national education policy. Partners have also requested that all audio-visual coverage acknowledges the contribution of Enabel, the Ministry of Education and Sports, Belgium, and the European Union.
Media & contact information
Media representatives interested in covering the handover ceremonies or obtaining further details about the WeLearn-WeTeach Bicycle Empowerment programme are invited to reach out directly to the CooP-Uganda team.
Contact: Communication & Design Officer
Tel: 0747162375
Email: steven@coop-uganda.org
