Lira, Uganda | Persistent challenges ranging from land disputes and infrastructure gaps to financial constraints and declining learner attitudes dominated the tenure of the outgoing Board of Governors (BOG) at Lira Town College, setting the stage for urgent action by the incoming leadership.
At the forefront of these challenges was the increasing rate of school fees defaulters, which strained the institution’s ability to meet operational and development needs. The board also grappled with inadequate staff housing, shortages of instructional materials for the new curriculum, and limited laboratory equipment, all of which affected the quality of teaching and learning.
Land-related conflicts emerged as some of the most complex and volatile issues. The outgoing board faced cases of encroachment and illegal construction on school property, with some matters already in court. In addition, disputes involving neighbouring individuals and institutions, as well as contested land at the Olaka school farm, required legal intervention and technical boundary re-establishment.
The board further contended with institutional challenges such as the absence of a license to operate as a fully-fledged boarding school, infiltration of unregistered students into the school system, and concerns over long-serving teachers who had become less productive. Negative attitudes among some parents towards timely payment of school fees, as well as poor learner mindsets toward academic excellence, also hindered progress.
Despite these obstacles, the outgoing Chairperson, Lillian Grace Ocari, noted that the board remained steadfast in safeguarding the school’s interests, particularly in defending its land from encroachers and ensuring accountability in governance.
Ocari emphasized that while significant progress had been made in infrastructure development, the next phase must prioritize academic performance, discipline, and effective supervision of both teachers and learners. She underscored the need for stronger oversight mechanisms to ensure consistent teacher presence and improved classroom delivery under the evolving national curriculum.
She also highlighted the urgent need for a multi-purpose library and an expanded computer hub, noting that the current ICT facilities are inadequate for the growing student population. On science education, she stressed the importance of well-equipped laboratories to support the government’s emphasis on STEM learning.
As the new Board of Governors assumes office, its Chairperson, Rev. Johnson Ogema has pledged to address these challenges through a unified and strategic approach. He emphasized the importance of bringing together all stakeholders, including teachers, students, alumni, and partners, to collectively drive the institution’s transformation.
Ogema indicated that his leadership would build on the foundation laid by the outgoing board, guided by the existing five-year strategic plan. He noted that improving the quality of education would remain a central focus, with emphasis placed on academic excellence rather than mere enrollment growth.
He outlined key priorities, including completion of ongoing infrastructure projects such as constructing additional dormitories, building a library, and renovating staff houses. He also pointed to the need to remove remaining asbestos structures and establish a reliable motorized water system across the school.
On sports development, Ogema expressed support for the construction of a mini stadium to enhance co-curricular activities and align the institution with national trends in sports infrastructure development.
Education authorities have also weighed in on the transition, calling for continuity, collaboration, and adherence to strategic planning. Lira City Education Officer Canon Jane Obeny commended the outgoing board for securing land titles and advancing infrastructure, describing these as critical milestones for institutional stability and access to government support.
She urged the incoming leadership to maintain close coordination with their predecessors, warning that leadership transitions often risk creating divisions that can derail progress. She further emphasized the importance of reliable water systems in improving sanitation, discipline, and overall school management.
Headteacher Levi Abongo described the leadership transition as a significant milestone, expressing confidence that the new board would bring fresh energy and ideas to accelerate the school’s growth. He noted that the institution’s student population currently stands at 2,380 and is projected to rise significantly, underscoring the need for expanded infrastructure and increased resource mobilization.
Meanwhile, Lira City Council Secretary for Finance, James Omara Elem, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting the school, particularly in strengthening financial management and improving sanitation facilities to match the growing enrollment.
Despite the challenges faced, the outgoing board leaves behind notable achievements, including acquisition of land titles, expansion of school infrastructure, installation of water systems, improved teacher qualifications, and strengthened security systems.
Buoyed by a clear grasp of past challenges and a renewed focus on unity, discipline, and strategic development, stakeholders voiced confidence that Lira Town College—now 59 years old since its establishment in August 1967—can overcome its obstacles and rise into a leading centre of academic excellence. The optimism follows the conclusion of the former Board of Governors’ two-term (six-year) tenure, paving the way for a new leadership phase.
