Lira City, Uganda – The director of Lira City Comprehensive Secondary School, Okello Johnson, has vehemently denied claims that the arrest of Owino Jacob, the school’s executive director, is a result of a conflict between their school and King James Comprehensive secondary School. Owino Jacob was arrested on allegations of defiling a 17-year-old minor, and two other people who reportedly used to transport the minor from Lira city to Corner Agwata in Dokolo district.
According to Okello Johnson, Owino Jacob and his friend were actually helping the minor return home as part of plans for introduction and marriage, with the minor’s consent. He claims that the arrest is a malicious attempt to tarnish the reputation of Lira City Comprehensive School and its staff.
“This is not a conflict between schools, but a targeted attack on our institution,” Okello Johnson said in a statement. “We have been operating for only a few months, and since then, King James Comprehensive School has been trying to sabotage our efforts. This arrest is just a continuation of their vendetta against us.”
Nelson Ayato, a gatekeeper at King James Comprehensive School, and Sarah Akao, a tenant at the King James Director’s house in Dokolo, were mistakenly identified as the minor’s father and mother, respectively.
Okello Johnson believes that the issue is a result of jealousy and a desire to bring down Lira City Comprehensive School, which has been making waves in the education sector in the Lango sub-region.
“We believe in the innocence of our staff member and will support him throughout this ordeal,” Okello Johnson said. “We will not let the malicious intentions of others tarnish our reputation.” The school has vowed to cooperate fully with the investigation and is confident that the truth will come to light.
As the investigation continues, the community remains divided on the issue. However, one thing is certain – the reputation of Lira City Comprehensive School and its staff hangs in the balance, and only time will tell if they will be exonerated or implicated in this disturbing incident.