Lango Diocese Bishop Rt Rev Prof Alfred Olwa has urged students of Dr. Obote College Boroboro to recognise their lives as gifts from God and use their education, talents, and abilities responsibly to serve their families, communities, and the country.
Bishop Olwa made the call while presiding over the dedication of 213 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and 126 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) candidates to God ahead of the 2026 Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) examinations.
He urged the candidates to pursue academic excellence while developing faith, integrity, wisdom, and good character, saying their circumstances or early academic struggles should not determine the direction of their lives.
“Your life is a gift from God, and you have a purpose,” Bishop Olwa told the students, while encouraging them to discover their abilities and use them responsibly.
To illustrate his message, the bishop shared the story of his daughter, who he said experienced academic challenges early in her education but later excelled in leadership before pursuing law. He said the experience demonstrated that a difficult beginning should not be mistaken for a predetermined future.
Bishop Olwa also cited the story of a former student, whom he described as having had a troubled school life before transforming his life and becoming a successful farmer, veterinarian, responsible parent, and community leader. He warned the students against alcohol and drug abuse, saying such behaviour can undermine their potential and destroy opportunities that come with education.
Drawing from Romans 12:1, Bishop Olwa challenged the candidates to offer their lives fully to God, saying faith should be reflected not only in religious activities but also in how they use their minds, words, bodies, talents and future. He thanked parents for the sacrifices they make to educate their children, teachers for their commitment, and the school management for creating an environment conducive to learning.
Dr. Obote College Board of Governors representative and PTA chairperson William Onyanga attributed the school’s academic performance to dedicated teachers, disciplined students, supportive parents, and a strong spiritual foundation.
Onyanga said the school is committed to teaching without examination malpractice, adding that parents are financing the construction of a multi-storey building that will expand the school’s facilities, including laboratories for practical sciences. He said disciplinary cases had significantly declined, from more than 60 in previous years to fewer than five cases handled annually.
Onyanga urged candidates to read examination questions carefully, including reading them more than once, and attempt every question. He also encouraged them to work hard and pursue careers that can contribute to Uganda’s development.
Deputy headteacher in charge of administration, Ogwang Tom, who represented the headteacher, urged the candidates to combine faith with serious preparation, discipline, and hard work. He advised candidates to attend lessons, revise consistently, practise past papers, and seek guidance from teachers whenever they encounter difficulties.
Ogwang also cautioned students against fighting, theft, alcohol and drug abuse, immoral behaviour, and examination malpractice, warning that a single careless decision could undermine years of preparation. He appealed to parents to support candidates with encouragement rather than excessive pressure and clear outstanding school fees to avoid disruptions during the examination period.
The administrator further warned parents against fraudsters impersonating school officials to solicit money, urging them to verify any emergency through the school’s official communication channels before sending money or items.
The 2026 UCE examinations are scheduled to run from October 8 to November 3, while UACE examinations will run from November 7 to December 5, according to the examination schedule provided for the candidates. UNEB’s 2026 registration information confirms that this year’s UCE and UACE candidates are being assessed under the revised curriculum and assessment arrangements.