By Haron Okwir
Otuke, Uganda | Education and sports leaders in Otuke have urged private schools to take part in co-curricular activities, warning that the current low participation is stifling young talent and limiting social development.
The call came after a three-day football tournament at Orum Primary School playground concluded on Wednesday, where most participants were government-aided schools.
District Sports Officer James Obira noted that the absence of the majority of private schools, along with Okwang P/S, Atirayon P/S and Anyalima P/S from the government-aided category, deprived the district of potential talent.
He commended St. Jude Nursery & Primary School for its consistent participation and stressed that co-curricular activities do not affect academic performance.
District Education Officer Lucy Acheng thanked headteachers for their dedication and urged them to always support government policies.
She encouraged games and sports teachers to ensure that selected teams are well prepared for national-level competitions, noting that Otuke had never failed to perform at that stage.
CAO Joseph Lomongin warned that headteachers of schools that failed to participate might be required to account for UPE funds, which should have been used to facilitate player participation.
Secretary for Health and Education, Kamara George, promised that the district would support successful teams all the way to the highest levels of competition.
RDC Masiga Erick described sports as an important tool for human development and challenged schools that did not participate to change their attitude.
He noted that active participation could open opportunities such as bursaries and said that engaging pupils in physical activities would help transform their mindset.
He also emphasised the social and physical benefits of sports, citing notable Ugandans like Denis Hamson Obua and Olympic champion John Akii Bua as examples of those who had excelled through sports.
The tournament saw Olilim Sub-County crowned under-12 boys’ football champions, Orum Sub-County take under-12 girls’ handball, and Okwang Sub-County win both under-14 girls’ and boys’ football titles.
The winning teams will represent Otuke at the national competition in Yumbe District from August 25 to September 8, 2025.