Otuke, Uganda – A team of Otuke District Local Government officials which included LCV Chairperson Francis Abola, Assistant Resident District Commissioner (ARDC), Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO), inspector of schools, district environment officer, among others, on Tuesday February 11, 2025, conducted an inspection of renovation works at five primary schools to assess the progress of classroom block rehabilitation under the government’s School Development Grant program.
Assistant Resident District Commissioner (ARDC) Isaac Opio Opeo, who also represented the Office of the President in Otuke District, stated that the renovations align with the NRM government’s education policy to improve learning environments.
He emphasized that modern and well-maintained classrooms motivate learners, teachers, and parents, thereby boosting academic performance.
The team visited Orum Primary School, Anepmoroto Primary School, Olilim Primary School, and Okwang Primary School, among others, where renovation works are at different stages.
According to Opio Opeo, the classroom block at Orum Primary School is nearing completion and will be handed over soon. However, he noted that the school has inadequate latrines, a concern the district has promised to address.
At Anepmoroto Primary School, renovation works are progressing well and are expected to be completed within two weeks.
Meanwhile, at Olilim Primary School, the building is still awaiting roofing, after which plastering and beautification, including flower planting, will follow.
During the inspection, Opio Opeo and his team found a significant number of learners still at home in Owinyo Ward, Olilim Town Council, contributing to low school attendance.
He attributed this to parental reluctance and other socio-economic challenges but assured that enforcement measures would begin next week to compel parents to send their children to school.
“The NRM government, under the wise leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has provided Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE). There is no reason why children should remain at home instead of attending school,” Opio Opeo said.
He also urged residents to embrace government wealth creation programs such as EMYOOGA, the Parish Development Model (PDM), and the Youth Livelihood Program (YLP) to improve household incomes and support education.
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) James Ingoi confirmed that all renovation works are expected to be completed by March 2025.
He assured that most contractors will hand over the completed buildings within the next two weeks to allow learners to start using them as soon as possible.
“The purpose of these site visits is to ensure that renovations are progressing as planned and to address any challenges. We are satisfied with the work done so far, and we expect all schools to be ready by March,” Ingoi stated.
The government has allocated significant funds to the renovation projects, with contracts awarded to different construction firms:
● Anepmoroto Primary School – UGX 69,114,724 million, contracted to Kajuka Engineering Ltd
● Orum Primary School – UGX 68,700,000 million, contracted to Mangron Investment Ltd
● Olilim Primary School – UGX 68,493,000 million, contracted to Wajap Holdings Ltd
The inspection visit underscores the government’s commitment to improving education infrastructure in rural areas.
With new classrooms soon to be completed, learners in Otuke District can look forward to a more conducive learning environment, reinforcing the importance of education in community development.