Lira, Uganda | As the academic year draws to a close, the NRM Chairperson for Lira City West Division, Hon. Tony Olipa, has encouraged learners to place a high value on education rather than wasting their parents’ hard-earned resources while at school.
Over 1,000 learners across various stages of study—from nursery, primary, and secondary schools to tertiary institutions—have received their blessings during a “back to school” event, reviving old memories as the third term of the 2026 academic year is set to officially open on September 14, 2026, in accordance with the calendar scheduled by the Ministry of Education and Sports.
Speaking as the chief guest at the event, which was held at Obanga Pe Wang Church in Lira City, on Sunday 06/09/2026 Hon. Tony Olipa—popularly known as Lipton, who also doubles as the NRM Chairperson for Lira City West Division—donated books and pens to candidates preparing to sit for their Primary Seven, Senior Four, and Senior Six examinations this year. He appealed to the learners to understand that no one is ever late in life, and urged them to put God first if they truly wish to achieve success.
Chairperson Olipa further urged the children to maintain discipline at school and uphold the integrity of their parents, stating that such behavior would make their families proud. He added that parents should also teach their children essential life skills and values, which they will remember for the rest of their lives. Quoting from the Book of Proverbs, Olipa advised parents to take keen interest in discovering and nurturing their children’s hidden talents, rather than forcing their own interests upon them.
Additionally, he noted that if we want to secure our future, we must first learn to control our bodily desires and avoid the temptation of pretending to be someone we are not. “Let us work hard both while at school and during holidays at home, and avoid negative behaviors that can destroy our future,” he said. He encouraged learners from humble backgrounds to work diligently in order to uplift the circumstances of their families.
In conclusion, the chief guest, Olipa, further encouraged parents to remain actively involved in their children’s education. Both parents and their children wear school uniform As back to school in an old school memories.
During the event, which featured back-to-school thanksgiving prayers, Rev. Nelson Kami Okonya of Obanga Pe Wang Church Lira City, who also serves as the patron and youth pastor coordinating the ministry for young people in Lira Urban West Archdeaconry, said, “We have come to bless these children as they prepare to return to school next week. We have organized this thanksgiving prayer to appreciate God for protecting our children since the beginning of this academic year, as they now prepare to report back for their end-of-year examinations.”
Rev. Okonya continued by referencing Proverbs 3:5, which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” He also announced that the platform was used to launch a youth center at All Saints Obanga Pe Wang. The center aims to equip young people with vocational skills, including tailoring and agriculture, so that they can start from scratch and build a livelihood using the little resources available to them.
In conclusion, Rev. Okonya expressed the church’s belief that through these thanksgiving prayers, they could pray for and bless the children alongside their parents. He noted that such blessings are even more meaningful in the presence of parents, and that they serve to enlighten the children for the long and prosperous future God has prepared for them.
Meanwhile, Lizzy Auma, who serves as the Youth Vice Chairperson for Lira Urban West, appreciated the church leaders for allowing this “back to school” event to take place. She noted that under this year’s theme, “Honouring our past, empowering our future,” the event would inspire all children to continue valuing their education.
The motive behind organizing the event, she explained, is to bring all the youth together, and the program is set to be held annually. She called upon the youth to stay close to the church, both at home and while at school, and added that the forum would also be used for storytelling sessions.