Pallisa, Uganda | Students of Agule Institute of Health Sciences and Management have lauded their Executive Director Hon. David Ochwa and the Board of Governors chaired by Mr. Enoch Namapeke for fulfilling their promise of organizing a mega celebration to recognize their outstanding performance in the June 2026 examinations.
The historic bull roasting party held on Sunday evening at the institute’s compound was the first of its kind in the 12-year history of the institute.
Masaba Godwin, the former Guild President and best student in Set 19 who spoke on behalf of the students, struggled to find fitting vocabulary to describe the joy inside the students.
“I received news of this function with pride because the people we should be appreciating for making us outstanding have turned around to reward us. This should not go unrecognized and I thank God for the good choice of this institution,” Masaba said.
Masaba revealed that when the Executive Director Hon. David Ochwa promised to roast a bull for them if they excelled, most students took it as verbal motivation, but the promise has now been tasted by all senses.
“The bull we ate has entered all the six senses, we have seen it, smelled it and tasted it. It is no longer a promise,” he said amid laughter.
The Academic Registrar, Mr. Fred Wakuma, who paraded the 19 best students who scored distinctions for awards and recognition, said Agule Institute is like the Mediterranean Sea which never gets full until 100 percent achievement is registered in all sets at once.
Wakuma, however, encouraged those who got retakes not to give up but to take it as a bitter lesson to work harder.
“As a Registrar, though hundreds are rejoicing, I feel for the tens who had issues in one or two papers and I ask them to realize the importance of group discussions, utilization of the library and consultation. Tutors are ever available to ensure their success,” Wakuma said.
Mr. Sam Opolot, the Dean of Students who doubles as Chairperson of the Disciplinary and Rewards Committee, said in the previous semester 14 students were singled out for outstanding positive discipline while two were disciplined for misconduct.
“Most of you are good mannered, well behaved and disciplined but space was limited. Those who were exceptional were picked. All the achievements we are celebrating originate from God’s blessing,” Opolot said.
Alex Magal, who was identified as the most disciplined male student, said he was not aware that tutors always monitor their character.
“I would like to congratulate our tutors especially Sister Dorothy Atim who keeps an eagle eye on smartness. She will never allow you to pass in front of her without checking you. She thanks you for being smart and organized and instructs those she sees shabby to follow the dress code and gives motherly counselling,” Magal said.
Margaret Akello, the most disciplined female student, said she was overwhelmed when her name was called.
“On hearing my name, glory replaced blood in my heart. Like juice of a sweet fruit is always appreciated by its consumers not the tree that bears it. I always do my things to my best without knowing I am being followed. My handkerchief does not go off my hands when I reach the ward, and the patients I left yesterday welcome me with faces of relief when we return. I realized I need them more than they need me,” Akello said.
Fred Namoyo, the overall best in discipline, said medical profession needs individuals who have feelings for others than themselves, adding that he is rarely seen in the school compound except where the timetable instructs him to be.
The Executive Director, Hon. David Ochwa, thanked the tutors for working together as a team.
“I started this institution with 18 students in 2013 and the number has multiplied 45 times. I now have over 800 students. I committed myself to give students a bull to roast after a classic meal if they performed better, especially Set 18 finalists and Set 19 who will do their finals in December, without segregating other sets,” Hon. Ochwa said.
He pledged to continue motivating students who excel while maintaining God-fearing values that have kept the institute at the apex in the region.