Can visitors visit schools in Buhoma?

Yes. The primary school in particular welcomes visitors during community walks. It is best to arrange a visit through your guide or lodge rather than arriving unannounced. Donations of school supplies, books, pens, and exercise books are appreciated and can be handed to teachers directly.

What is the school system like in Uganda?

Uganda follows a 7-4-2 system: seven years of primary school, four years of lower secondary (O-Level), and two years of upper secondary (A-Level) before university. Primary education is officially free under Universal Primary Education, though families still cover costs for uniforms, supplies, and lunch.

How can I support education in Buhoma?

The most direct way is to donate school supplies during a visit, or to contribute to community organizations that fund education programs. Exercise books, pens, textbooks, and sports equipment are always needed. Some lodges and NGOs also run scholarship programs for students from disadvantaged families.

Do children in Buhoma learn in English?

English is the official language of instruction in Ugandan schools from primary level onwards. In practice, especially in the early years, teaching often mixes English with the local language, Rukiga. By secondary school, English is used more consistently in the classroom.

Schools & Education

Learning and growing in Buhoma — education at the edge of Bwindi

Education in Buhoma faces the challenges common to rural Uganda — limited resources, long walking distances for students, and stretched teaching staff — but it is sustained by a community that values learning deeply. From nursery school through primary and secondary, to adult literacy classes, Buhoma's educational institutions serve every generation. Many visitors who come for the gorillas leave with lasting memories of the schoolchildren they met on a community walk.

4 Schools & Programs in Buhoma

Buhoma Community Primary School

The main primary school in Buhoma, serving children from the village and surrounding communities. The school teaches the Ugandan primary curriculum and is a focal point of community life. Visitors on community walks are often welcomed to see the school and meet the teachers and pupils.

Buhoma village

Term time: Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:00

Arrange visits through community walk guides

Buhoma Secondary School

The local secondary school provides education for older students in the Buhoma area. Many students walk long distances daily to attend. The school follows the Ugandan secondary curriculum and prepares students for national examinations. Resources are limited, and donations of textbooks and supplies are always appreciated.

Buhoma area

Term time: Monday to Friday, 07:30 to 16:30

Bwindi Nursery School

A nursery school providing early childhood education for the youngest children in the Buhoma area. The school offers a safe and stimulating environment where children learn basic literacy, numeracy, and social skills before progressing to primary school. It is supported in part by community donations and NGO partnerships.

Near Buhoma village

Term time: Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 12:30

Buhoma Adult Literacy Program

A community-run program offering basic reading, writing, and numeracy classes for adults in the Buhoma area. Many participants are women who missed out on formal schooling. The program empowers community members to manage their finances, read health information, and support their children with homework.

Buhoma village, community hall

Classes held two to three times per week, usually in the afternoon