By Haron Okwir
Otuke, Uganda | A district-wide music, dance and drama (MDD) competition in Otuke on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, drew only one participating school out of the 45 in the district, raising concern among leaders.
The event, hosted in the Otuke District Council Hall, brought together parents, stakeholders, performing arts teachers, and local leaders.
Adwari Primary School from Alango Sub-County, Otuke West County, was the sole participant, continuing its record of representing Otuke at regional and national MDD levels.
Ojok Joel Roko, the adjudicator sent by regional organisers, questioned the persistent low turnout and wondered why Otuke remained different from other districts when it came to competitions.
Chief Administrative Officer Joseph Lomongin advised performing arts teachers to ensure pupils attend competitions in full uniform, noting that it would help them earn higher marks.
District LCV Chairperson Abola Francis expressed disappointment at the other 44 schools that failed to attend without providing reasons.
He instructed the District Education Officer to investigate the matter and provide an explanation.
He further pledged that the district would continue to support schools willing to participate in such competitions at all levels.
New RDC Masiga Erick commended the cooperation among leaders in the district but directed the CAO and DEO to dig deeper into the reasons behind the poor turnout, warning that it painted a negative picture of Otuke.
The regional MDD competition will run from August 15–17, 2025, at Aduku UCC in Kwania District, with 12 teams from Lango Sub-region, including Lira City and Apac Municipality, expected to compete.