By Jaspher Obua, Parish Social Communicator, Otwal Parish
Parents of Otwal Primary School in Oyam District have resolved to contribute Shs 19,000 per pupil per term to support school operations and development, despite a Ministry of Education guideline restricting additional charges imposed on parents.
The resolution was unanimously adopted during an emergency Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) general meeting convened at the school yesterday by PTA Chairperson Nicholas Ogwal, following concerns that the Shs 6,500 allocated per pupil was insufficient to meet the school’s operational and development needs.
Speaking during the meeting, Ogwal said he had received a letter from the district authorities prohibiting the collection of additional money from parents. However, he argued that the limited resources provided to the school could not adequately support its activities.
The school library acting as a store for food items and other items
He therefore appealed to parents to contribute towards the development of Otwal Primary School to supplement government funding. Following deliberations, the parents agreed to establish a PTA Development Fund of Shs 19,000 per pupil per term.
The LC1 Chairperson of Otwal Trading Centre A, where the school is located, Joshua Ojok, defended the proposed contribution, saying the fund would facilitate school development projects that might not be covered by government funding.
Ojok commended the parents for supporting the resolution, noting that their contributions would help supplement funding for other essential school activities.
The school’s headteacher, Alex Agel, also defended the PTA Development Fund, citing Section 9, subsections (1), (2) and (3) of the Education Act, which he said provides for parental contributions towards school development through PTA arrangements.
Parents attending the PTA meeting
Meanwhile, Betty Owani, the district councillor representing Otwal and Aleka sub-counties, said education stakeholders would formally notify the Oyam District Education Department about the parents’ resolution.
Owani said they would write to the department to communicate the decision and bring the matter to the attention of the relevant authorities.
Otwal Primary School currently has an enrolment of 960 pupils, comprising 477 boys and 483 girls, served by 18 teachers.
The resolution highlights the growing concerns over the adequacy of government funding for public schools. However, the parents’ decision to introduce the Shs 19,000 per-term contribution raises questions about compliance with education financing guidelines, the affordability of additional charges for families and the need for consultation with district education authorities before the collection is implemented.
Lira Diocese concluded its fourth annual Education Week with a call to learners, teachers and parents to work together in forming disciplined, responsible and faith-filled young people who can become a positive light in society.
By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
The Education Week, held under the theme “Catholic Schools Anchored in Christ, Share Your Light”, drawn from Matthew 5:14–16, climaxed on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Uganda Martyrs Cathedral Ordination Ground in Lira City.
The week-long celebration began on Monday, September 21, with a radio talk show, bringing together Catholic-founded schools from across Lira City and the surrounding areas for a series of activities celebrating education, faith, talents and the Catholic identity of the schools.
The climax included a procession through Lira City centre led by a police brass band, followed by Holy Mass celebrated by the Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, and speeches from education leaders and representatives of the Uganda Catholic Episcopal Conference (UEC).
The celebration also featured the awarding of certificates and trophies to schools and learners who excelled in football, netball, volleyball, science fair and public speaking.
Bishop Wanok: Let your lives shine
In his homily, Bishop Wanok challenged children and young people to live out the Education Week theme by becoming a light to those around them through discipline, respect and good conduct.
He cautioned learners against behaviours that undermine their ability to become positive examples in society, including indiscipline, misuse of social media and disrespect for others.
The Bishop encouraged learners to respect their teachers, parents and elders, remain close to God and recognise God as the source of wisdom.
He also reminded teachers that their responsibility extends beyond classroom instruction, urging them to guide learners and help prepare them for responsible leadership and service.
While acknowledging the financial difficulties and delayed salaries faced by some teachers, Bishop Wanok encouraged them not to abandon their responsibility to nurture and educate learners, describing teaching as a calling from God.
He further called for stronger cooperation between parents and teachers, stressing that education begins at home and that parents should not leave the entire responsibility of raising and educating their children to schools.
Catholic education must form the whole person
The Lira Diocese Education Secretary, Fr. Moses Edyomu, described education as a shared responsibility involving schools, parents, communities, government and faith institutions.
Fr. Edyomu thanked teachers and school managers for their commitment to ensuring that the Education Week activities took place despite the challenges they faced.
He said teachers do more than prepare learners for examinations, noting that they also shape character, awaken curiosity, guide talents and offer hope to learners.
He urged learners to take their studies seriously, read widely, ask questions, use their talents responsibly and respect teachers, parents and fellow learners.
Fr. Edyomu also emphasised the role of the Church in forming the whole person.
He said education should develop the mind, heart, conscience and spirit, warning that knowledge without values can be misused, while knowledge combined with integrity, compassion, discipline and faith can become a force for good.
He called for continued collaboration among schools, parents, government and the Church to create learning environments where every child feels safe, respected and encouraged to grow.
The National Executive Secretary for Education at the Uganda Catholic Episcopal Conference, Rev. Fr. Ronald Reagan Okello handing the Science fair champions, Comboni College a certificate and trophy.
UEC calls for skills, innovation and Catholic identity
The National Executive Secretary for Education at the Uganda Catholic Episcopal Conference, Rev. Fr. Ronald Reagan Okello, commended Lira Diocese for the progress it has made in strengthening the management of education in its Catholic schools.
Fr. Okello said Education Week provides an opportunity for Catholic schools to come together and celebrate their common heritage.
He encouraged the Diocese to consider incorporating more cultural elements into future Education Week celebrations, saying culture contributes to identity and can help provide learners with a more holistic education.
Addressing learners, Fr. Okello urged them to take the competency-based curriculum seriously by developing practical skills, values and innovations that can help them respond to the demands of the future.
He challenged learners to translate the skills gained at school into practical solutions and employment opportunities, pointing to innovations already developed by some Catholic school learners.
Fr. Okello also encouraged talented learners to develop their abilities rather than hiding them, highlighting scholarship opportunities available through Uganda Martyrs University for students who excel in areas including sports and exhibitions.
He further called for cooperation between government, foundation bodies and parents in addressing challenges affecting schools.
He argued that foundation bodies and parents have an important role to play in supporting education where existing resources are insufficient, while stressing the need for transparent and systematic approaches in addressing challenges within schools.
City education authorities commend Catholic schools
Representing the Lira City Education Department, Senior Education Officer Andrew Ogwang Oyang appreciated the contribution of Lira Diocese to education and the management of learning in Catholic-founded schools.
Ogwang said education should prepare learners not merely to remain within the institutions where they studied, but to acquire the knowledge, skills and values needed to serve their communities and humanity.
He noted the important role played by foundation bodies in school management, discipline, development programmes and teaching and learning.
He also called for stronger community participation in supporting schools, observing that community support for education appeared to be declining.
Ogwang commended the level of discipline in Catholic-founded schools within Lira City and recognised the Catholic Church’s contribution to nurturing talents and preparing young people to become responsible citizens.
He said activities such as those held during Education Week help learners develop skills and talents that can serve them beyond the classroom.
Public speech winner, a primary 3 pupil from St Paul Primary schoolLira Diocese Education Secretary Fr. Moses Edyomu handing a trophy to the football champions (girls) St. Mary Magdalene
Rising education costs and learner welfare
The National Coordinator for the Catholic Schools Youth Ministry International at the UEC, Henry Otim, drew attention to the growing economic pressures affecting schools and families.
Otim said rising costs of learning materials, transport and food were making education increasingly difficult for many families and called for continued engagement among stakeholders on ways of supporting the provision of education.
He also highlighted learner dropout, citing health and poverty among factors contributing to children failing to complete primary education.
Otim introduced the Church’s EduHealth programme, an initiative aimed at strengthening the health support available to learners.
He explained that the programme provides an electronic medical form intended to give schools more reliable information about a learner’s health and enable schools, parents and health facilities to work together in responding to learners’ health needs.
According to Otim, the programme is intended not only to support individual learners but also to help schools and health providers identify health concerns and provide relevant information and interventions.
Education Week celebrates more than academic achievement
The fourth Education Week brought together learners, teachers, education officials, Church leaders and other stakeholders in a celebration that went beyond academic performance to include faith, discipline, culture, talent, health and practical skills.
Through competitions in sports, science and public speaking, learners were given opportunities to demonstrate abilities outside the traditional classroom setting, while the celebration provided a platform for Catholic-founded schools to come together as one educational community.
As the Diocese concluded the week, the message from the celebrations remained closely tied to its theme: that Catholic education should be rooted in Christ and should equip learners not only with knowledge, but also with the values and character needed to let their lives shine in their families, schools and communities.
The Education Week concluded with the presentation of certificates and trophies to outstanding participants in football, netball, volleyball, science fair and public speaking, recognising the talents and achievements displayed throughout the week’s activities.
Fr. Atipopo said the initiative was intended to contribute to improved education standards in the area by helping provide pupils with a safer and more conducive learning environment.
By Dickens Aruca, Radio Wa, Lira Diocese
Hope has returned to the school community of Aketo Primary School in Ibuje Sub-County, Apac District, following the commencement of construction of a three-classroom block supported through the efforts of Rev. Fr. Stanslas Atipopo.
The intervention comes about a month after a storm hit the school, destroying the roofs of several classrooms and the head teacher’s office and leaving the school with limited space to accommodate its learners.
The construction support was secured by Fr. Atipopo, currently the Parish Administrator of Gomi Sub-Parish in Lira District, through financial assistance from his friends in Germany. The project is being implemented through Lira Diocese.
Speaking about the development, the school’s Deputy Head Teacher, Samson Olum, said the arrival of the construction materials had brought renewed hope to the school management, parents and learners.
Olum said the school community was particularly encouraged by the intervention because no immediate government support had been received following the storm.
He said construction of the three-classroom block had commenced and would help address the shortage of classroom space created by the storm damage.
The development was also confirmed by the LC3 Chairperson of Ibuje Sub-County, Alex Ogota, who recently visited the school and found that the donated construction materials had been delivered and foundation works had begun.
Onyakede Primary School in Amach Sub Countyreceived a donation of a classrom block in 2025Onyakede Primary School in Amach Sub Countyreceived a donation of desks in 2025
Ogota commended Fr. Atipopo for his contribution to education in Apac District, particularly his support towards the construction and rehabilitation of classrooms in schools across Ibuje Sub-County.
Fr. Atipopo said the initiative was intended to contribute to improved education standards in the area by helping provide pupils with a safer and more conducive learning environment.
He said the support from his friends in Germany had made it possible to respond to the school’s urgent need following the storm.
The construction of the three-classroom block is expected to ease pressure on the school’s existing facilities and provide much-needed learning space for pupils as the school works towards restoring normal learning conditions.
The school community has welcomed the intervention as an important contribution to the recovery of Aketo Primary School and the wider effort to improve the learning environment for children in Ibuje Sub-County.
Parish Priest St Peter’s Anai Catholic Parish, Rev Sr Agnes Atala MSMMC and the Diocesan Education Advisor
She emphasized that excessive dependence on foreign donors continues to widen development gaps, particularly in infrastructure such as schools and health facilities.
By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
The Education Secretary of Lira Diocese, Rev Sr. Agnes Atala, MSMMC has called on leaders and residents of the Lango sub-region to shift away from over-reliance on international donors and embrace local resource mobilization for sustainable development.
Sr. Atala made the remarks during the official commissioning of a renovated classroom block at Anai Primary School in Anai Ward, Lira City West Division, and Lira City. The renovation was undertaken by Lira Diocese with funding support from the SPICMA a UK based Organization.
She emphasized that excessive dependence on foreign donors continues to widen development gaps, particularly in infrastructure such as schools and health facilities. According to Sr. Atala, meaningful and sustainable development can only be realized if local communities cultivate a culture of contributing towards their own progress.
She encouraged residents to develop a passion for supporting community initiatives, noting that many Western donors sacrifice personal resources to support development projects abroad.
Classroom block before renovationClassroom block after renovation
The Parish Priest of St Peters Anai Catholic Parish, Rev. Fr. Isaac Ojok, who authored the project proposal seeking support from the U.K.-based charity, revealed that the diocese secured a grant of 22 million shillings to renovate two classroom blocks at Anai Primary School.
Fr. Ojok, who also serves as the Diocesan Communications Secretary, said the renovated classrooms symbolize partnership, dedication, and a shared vision in delivering quality education. He added that the Church remains committed to nurturing children’s moral values and urged school administrators to maintain the facility responsibly.
He further noted that foundation bodies play a vital role in complementing government efforts in education service delivery.
Lira City Mayor, Sam Atul, commended the school’s headteacher for his commitment to improving academic performance. He disclosed that in the next financial year, the City Council has earmarked funds to fence the school to curb increasing cases of intruders vandalizing school and teachers’ property.
The headteacher, Ojok Joel Rokko, expressed gratitude to Lira Diocese and the SPICMA organization for renovating two classrooms that will benefit Primary Three learners. He noted that the structures had previously been dilapidated and dusty, affecting the learning environment.
Rokko also highlighted the school’s 2025 Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) performance, where out of 50 candidates, eight scored Division One, 37 obtained Division Two, and five achieved Division Three.
Parents, teachers, and learners have been called upon to embrace unity both at home and in school if they want to realize true development in their communities.
This call was made by Rev. Fr. Stanislaus Atipopo, the Administrator of Gomi Sub Parish, during the dedication prayer for Primary Seven candidates ahead of their Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), and the handover of a new classroom block at Onyakede Primary School in Amach Sub County.
In his homily, Fr. Atipopo emphasized that success in any aspect of life, whether as a parent, teacher, or farmer, requires knowledge and understanding of how things are done.
“Having knowledge is very important. It is not found in heaven; it is sought,” he said. “The one who has knowledge is like a lamp that gives light to the world. God does not just give us knowledge; we must be taught and willing to learn.”
He likened education to light that dispels ignorance, adding that Jesus calls His followers “the light of the world” because they are meant to uplift others.
Fr. Atipopo reminded candidates that their upcoming exams are a chance to demonstrate what they have learned over the years.
“For one to put knowledge into action, two things must happen, seek knowledge and use it,” he noted. “But in giving knowledge, either the teacher lacks enough of it to share, or the learner is not willing to receive it.”
Fr. Atipopo cautioned parents who claim education is no longer valuable because of unemployment.
“There will be no development in your homes without education, no matter your religion,” he said. “Even as a priest, it was not only my prayer life that brought me here. My education documents also opened the way for me to join the seminary.”
He urged parents to work hard for their children’s education, expressing concern that some were unhappy about teachers returning to school after the recent industrial action.
“Teachers are struggling to educate your children despite being poorly paid. The strike was a cry for fairness, not a reason for parents to keep children at home,” he said.
Fr. Atipopo concluded by urging unity between parents and school administrators, saying development can only come when all stakeholders work together.
Rev. Sr. Agnes Atala, MSMMC, the Lira Diocese Education Secretary, praised Fr. Atipopo for his commitment to improving learning conditions at Onyakede Primary School. She said the new classroom block was born out of compassion after seeing children studying under trees.
Each of us was created for a purpose, and that purpose needs knowledge, and a good heart, like that of Fr. Stanislaus,” she said. “The donors who helped us are not rich people, but they understand that God created them to make a difference.”
Sr. Agnes revealed that Lira Diocese has 379 schools, six of which, including Onyakede, are in critical need of support: Onyakede P/S, Alworo P/S, Barlela P/S, Abongorwot P/S, Owiyodyek P/S, and Okile P/S.
She cautioned parents against believing in the idea of “free education,” noting that quality education requires shared responsibility.
“There is no such thing as free education,” she said. “Parents must contribute their part if they want their children to study well.”
She further encouraged parents to provide for their children and keep them in school, saying it is through education that the next generation will bring lasting change to families and communities.
The Headteacher of Onyakede Primary School, Mr. Do Santo Alango thanked Fr. Atipopo for his support, recalling how learners previously studied under trees due to a lack of classrooms.
He also noted that Fr. Atipopo had provided 26 desks after noticing that pupils had none.
While acknowledging that the teachers’ strike had disrupted learning, he expressed disappointment that some parents still refused to send their children back even after schools reopened.
The Chairperson of the School Management Committee (SMC) also appreciated Fr. Atipopo for the new classroom block and appealed for help in constructing dormitories for both boys and girls to further improve performance.
He called on parents to unite regardless of denomination, reminding them that although the school is Catholic-founded, it serves children of all faiths.
Fr. Stanislaus Atipopo revealed that the classroom block was donated by Lira Diocese with sponsorship from KREISTAG DONAURIES (FOUR STONES FOR AFRICA), friends of the Diocese. The project cost UGX 80 million.
Last year, Onyakede Primary School registered 28 PLE candidates, of whom 24 passed while 4 failed. The school administration expressed hope for even better results this year, thanks to the improved learning environment.
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