Ronald Alele Ongwech
Amolatar, Uganda | When Canon Moses Ogwal Owiny assumed leadership at Namasale Technical School, the institution had only 61 students and was grappling with low public confidence.
Today, the school’s enrolment has soared to over 1,000 students, a dramatic turnaround that education stakeholders in Lango are attributing to visionary leadership and a renewed focus on vocational excellence.
In an interview at his office on Tuesday, Ogwal Owiny dismissed the long-held belief that technical and vocational institutions are meant for academically weak learners.
He said the perception had for years discouraged parents from enrolling their children in technical schools, yet such institutions equip learners with practical skills needed to create employment.
“A technical school student is a job maker, not a job seeker,” he said, adding that the country’s development depends on skilled manpower capable of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Under his leadership, the school has expanded its academic portfolio to include business studies alongside traditional technical courses.
The move, he explained, is aimed at equipping learners with entrepreneurial knowledge to complement hands-on technical skills.
Education experts argue that integrating business education into vocational training enhances graduates’ ability to start and manage enterprises.
Canon Ogwal said the improved performance in national examinations is a result of teamwork among teachers, students, and parents.
He commended parents for entrusting the institution with their children and for consistently meeting financial obligations, which he said has enabled the school to run smoothly.
The principal urged parents in Lango and across Uganda to reconsider the practice of sending children to distant regions in search of quality education.
He noted that the school now offers standards comparable to leading institutions elsewhere in the country.
“We have proven experience, performance, and quality education right here. Parents should take advantage of what is available within their region instead of incurring unnecessary costs,” he said.
Education leaders in the subregion say the growth of Namasale Technical School reflects a gradual shift in attitudes towards vocational training.
With Uganda placing increasing emphasis on skills development as a driver of industrialisation, technical institutions are expected to play a central role in preparing young people for the labour market.
For Canon Ogwal, the journey from 61 to over 1,000 students is not merely about numbers but about restoring confidence in vocational education and empowering young people with practical skills for self-reliance.
