Oyam, Uganda – The Oyam District Council convened for a significant session today, March 26, 2025, where the pressing issue of School Foundation Body conflicts took center stage.
The discussion on this matter, which has been postponed multiple times, was further delayed after a motion to postpone was passed despite strong opposition from some councillors.
The motion for postponement was introduced by Hon. Vicky Oyite, the Female Councilor for Loro Sub County and Loro Town Council.
She argued that the matter required more in-depth discussion and should be postponed to allow for proper deliberation.
Hon. Bili Otoo, the Male Councillor for Otwal Sub County, seconded the motion, supporting the need for additional time due to the gravity of the issue at hand.
However, the motion met resistance from Hon. Tonny Ocen Okello, the Male Councilor for Iceme Sub County, who expressed frustration over the repeated delays.
“This issue has been postponed three times, with the last delay on December 24, 2024. Meanwhile, schools are facing significant challenges due to unresolved foundation body conflicts. We cannot afford to push this matter further; it needs to be addressed now,” she argued passionately.
Hon. Ocen’s remarks underscored the urgency of the situation, particularly for schools currently embroiled in foundation body conflicts.
Five schools in the district are reported to be affected by the issue, including Acaba Technical School, Apala B Primary School, and Amati Primary School.
The councilors agreed that a resolution to these conflicts is critical, as the ongoing disputes are causing disruptions in the schools’ operations and their ability to deliver quality education.
After much debate, the Speaker of the Council, Hon. Normy Otyeno called for a vote on whether to amend the order paper to allow for further postponement.
The vote saw those in favour of the delay winning, leading to the decision to reconvene on April 10, 2025, for an exclusive session focused on resolving the foundation body conflicts.
The decision to push the discussion to April 10 reflects the council’s acknowledgment of the serious nature of the issue and the need for a thorough discussion. With the upcoming council session expected to be centered around budget approvals, the council aims to dedicate time specifically to addressing the conflicts that have been affecting the schools for an extended period.
This step forward signals a commitment by the Oyam District Council to resolve the school foundation body conflicts that have been a growing concern within the district.
The hope is that the upcoming sitting will provide a definitive resolution to the matter, bringing an end to the ongoing struggles faced by the affected schools and ensuring the smooth functioning of education in the district.
