Lira, Uganda | Lira City Education offices are facing mounting criticism after being accused of neglecting top-performing Music, Dance, and Drama (MDD) schools, a situation that teachers warn could discourage both learners and instructors.
On 23 August 2025, during a visit to Star Light Primary School, which is set to represent Lira City and the Lango Subregion at the National MDD Competition in Mbarara City from 24–31 August, the school leadership expressed frustration over what they described as “total abandonment” by city education authorities.
A letter dated 19 August 2025, signed by Head Teacher Moses Etaru, requested financial support of UGX 15.7 million from the City Education Office, with transport costs alone estimated at UGX 8 million.
By Saturday evening, however, no assistance or official response had been received.
The school’s Director of Studies, Isaac Ayor, warned that the lack of institutional support risks undermining student morale and the growth of MDD as a co-curricular activity.
MDD trainer Linus Okwir said he was “deeply discouraged” and threatened to withdraw his services if the neglect continued.
He recalled that during the Lango Regional MDD Competition at Aduku Secondary School on 16–17 August, Star Light Primary School nearly faced disqualification because Lira City had failed to remit a UGX 2 million affiliation fee.
Despite the setback, the school went on to perform among the best.
Okwir, however, praised Lira City Mayor, Sam Atul, for stepping in with a minibus that enabled the school to travel for the regional contest.
The school’s director, Richard Omara, said MDD activities had become financially unsustainable without external support, urging both the city and well-wishers to help bridge the funding gap.
When contacted, Lira City School Inspector Tom Ronald Omara confirmed receipt of the school’s request but said he was waiting for a report from the City Education Officer before taking action.
At the time, he was away in Yumbe District with handball, netball, and football teams.
Multiple attempts to reach City Education Officer, Mrs. Jane Obeny was unsuccessful.
Unless urgent funding is secured, Star Light Primary School risks missing out on the national competition, and the second consecutive year Lira City could fail to field a team due to financial constraints.
Stakeholders warn that such a pattern threatens the future of arts and sports in the Lango Subregion and could set a worrying precedent for education and talent development if not addressed.
