Dokolo, Uganda | Dokolo North County MP Joseph Jones Ogwal has delivered 95 iron sheets to Bata Secondary School in Dokolo district to support the construction of a boys’ dormitory aimed at easing the school’s accommodation shortage, fulfilling a pledge he made two months ago during a visit to the school.
Ogwal handed over the iron sheets on Monday, August 10, 2026, saying the donation was part of his commitment to support the school as it addresses challenges affecting its operations. He also pledged to provide 30 bags of cement to help plaster the boys’ dormitory once roofing is completed, noting that the facility would improve accommodation for students, particularly during the third term.
Ogwal commended parents for their efforts towards the construction of the dormitory, saying the roofing would enable the school to accommodate more students. He said he would continue coordinating with the school administration to address other challenges in phases. Starting next year, Ogwal said he would support Bata Secondary School, Dokolo Girls, Agwata and Iguli Girls secondary schools with two pairs of sports uniforms for each student participating in games and sports.
The legislator also announced plans to introduce climate-smart practices through a tree-planting programme in the schools. He urged students to embrace science subjects and apply knowledge acquired in classrooms to real-life situations. Ogwal further launched a performance improvement programme under which he will provide examination papers to help O- and A-level candidates assess their understanding and identify areas requiring improvement.
Bata Secondary School headteacher Ogwal Denis, who has served at the school since 2020, said learning was progressing well despite existing challenges. He thanked the MP for visiting the school, describing the visit as historic because Ogwal was the first Member of Parliament to visit the institution since he became headteacher. He said the boys’ dormitory was largely being constructed through parents’ efforts and would address the shortage of accommodation while boosting student enrolment.
Iguli Girls Secondary School headteacher Apili Anna, who accompanied Ogwal to the school, recalled the MP’s support during an athletics competition in Lira City last year. She said Ogwal helped the school by providing transport, meals and other necessities for the students who participated in the competition.
PTA chairperson Adato Charles asked Ogwal to support the school in addressing its porous boundaries, which he said make it easy for students to leave the school premises without permission. He said parents and the school administration planned to initiate a fencing project and appealed to the MP to support them when they approached him. Ogwal’s Bata Town Council coordinator, Rashid Okor, urged the school administration and students to ensure the iron sheets are put to good use.
S.5 student Akello Sharon thanked Ogwal for supporting the school with the iron sheets and academic performance initiatives. She commended the administration, teachers and support staff for their continued efforts to improve learning, urging fellow students to work harder.
Bata Secondary School currently has 822 students from S.1 to S.6, 36 teachers, 16 support staff, and six non-teaching staff.