Dokolo, Uganda – The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Dokolo, Babra Akech, has officially handed over a UGX 270 million school rehabilitation project to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineering Brigade, with a stern caution against substandard work and potential misconduct.
The handover ceremony took place on the April 9, 2025 at St. John Bosco Secondary School in Acengryeny Cell, Central Ward, Dokolo Town Council, where the UPDF Engineering Brigade will undertake the rehabilitation of a science laboratory and four classroom blocks.
RDC Akech, while pledging full support to the project, urged the UPDF team to maintain discipline and avoid tarnishing the army’s name.
She particularly cautioned against misconduct involving local community members, citing past cases where individuals employed from the community ended up impregnating girls in the surrounding areas.
“I appeal to the UPDF Engineering Brigade to maintain professionalism. We want quality work, not scandals,” Akech emphasized.
The project, funded by the Ministry of Education and Sports, is expected to be completed in six months.
Granfil Oryono Omonda, the Chief Administrative Officer of Dokolo, said the school infrastructure was in a poor state and assured the public of close monitoring and supervision.
David Eryatu, the District Education Officer, emphasized the need for quality and accountability.
LCV Chairperson James Otoo Apili warned against absenteeism by the engineers and called on the government to prioritize traditional secondary schools, many of which are in dilapidated condition.
The Head Teacher, Charles Oilar, highlighted challenges including poor infrastructure, staff shortages and inadequate learning materials.
Maj. Innocent Namubelzu, the site engineer from the UPDF Engineering Brigade, pledged to deliver quality work within the agreed timeframe.
Paul Numbiru, the Northern Regional Engineer representing the Ministry, said that 40% of the workers will be sourced from the community and 60% from the UPDF, urging local residents to safeguard construction materials.
This rehabilitation project marks a significant step in boosting education infrastructure in Dokolo District.
