𝘽𝙊𝙊𝙆𝙎 𝙁𝙊𝙍 𝘼𝙁𝙍𝙄𝘾𝘼 𝘿𝙊𝙉𝘼𝙏𝙀 𝘽𝙊𝙊𝙆𝙎 𝙏𝙊 𝙔𝙈𝘾𝘼 - 𝙈𝘽𝘼𝙇𝙀

𝘚𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘺, 15𝘵𝘩 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩, 2026

A consignment of books donated by Books For Africa and funded by Libraries for Kids International has been received by YMCA Mbale Branch.

The books were officially received by Mr. David Mabonga, the Director of YMCA Mbale, marking another milestone in efforts to improve literacy and research in local communities.

It was a moment of excitement and jubilation at Bungokho Sub County when the container carrying the books arrived on Friday night.

The receiving and offloading exercise was conducted on Saturday, 14th March, 2026, with community members and leaders witnessing the historic moment.

The receiving and offloading ceremony was flagged off by Mr. Napokoli Sakwa, the Minister of Local Government in the Umuguuga wo Bugisu Cultural Institution. He welcomed the consignment and appreciated the donors and partners for their generosity in promoting education in Uganda.

Mr. Sakwa noted that the books will help learners to conduct research, improve reading culture and strengthen education standards in communities.

The donation is part of an initiative aimed at ending the book famine in Africa by supplying learning materials to schools. After sorting, the books will be distributed to different government primary schools to support libraries and promote reading among pupils.

Speaking during the reception, Mr. David Mabonga expressed great joy and gratitude upon receiving the consignment. 

He appreciated the leadership of Books For Africa, particularly its director, Tom Warth, for their continued commitment to supporting education on the African continent.

He also thanked the Government of Uganda through the Uganda Revenue Authority for granting tax exemption and facilitating the clearance of the shipment.

Special appreciation was extended to Libraries for Kids International for making a grand entry into Uganda through this impactful initiative. Under this project, all Government Primary Schools are expected to benefit from book support over the next four years, a move that will greatly improve literacy, research and learning outcomes across communities.

However, he noted that the process faced several challenges including delays in shipment, clearance procedures and mechanical faults during transportation.

Despite these challenges, the successful arrival of the books is a major boost to education and literacy in the region.

𝘉𝘺 𝘜𝘸𝘢 𝘏𝘦𝘻𝘳𝘰𝘯