Dokolo, Uganda – The people of Dokolo South Constituency on Tuesday February 4, 2025 witnessed a historic milestone with the official handover and inauguration of the newly constructed Adeknino Seed Secondary School, a project hailed as a testament to the Uganda government’s commitment to transforming education infrastructure under its national development agenda.
The colorful ceremony was graced by key dignitaries, including Hon. Felix Okot Ogong, Member of Parliament for Dokolo South Constituency, Godfrey Ogwang, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Dokolo District, Okuja Santos, Secretary of the Education Committee representing the LCV Chairperson, Bosco Okello Odongo, the contractor from Bygon Enterprises Limited, district officials, local leaders, parents, and community members.
Addressing the jubilant crowd, Hon. Felix Okot Ogong expressed immense pleasure at the completion of the project, describing it as a “dream come true” for the people of Adeknino and Dokolo at large.
“The vision to establish Adeknino Seed Secondary School aligns perfectly with the Uganda government’s policy of ensuring every sub-county has a Seed Secondary School, a Health Centre III, and Sub-county Headquarters,” Okot remarked.
He recounted the humble beginnings of the school, noting that the project started from scratch with the relocation of the site to its current location.
MP Okot credited the successful completion to the collaboration between the government, district officials, and political leaders.
Hon. Okot specifically applauded the relentless efforts of Dokolo District officials, including the CAO, LCV Chairperson, District Education Officer (DEO), and others, for their commitment to monitoring the project to its completion.
While commending Bygon Enterprises Limited and contractor Bosco Okello Odongo for their dedication despite delays, Hon. Okot issued a stern warning against theft and vandalism:
“I want to send a strong warning to individuals with negative attitudes towards developmental projects, especially those thinking of stealing property from this newly constructed school. The government has invested heavily in this project. Anyone caught will be arrested, prosecuted, and jailed without mercy.”
Okot also urged the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) and the police to remain vigilant and ensure the school’s security. He cautioned teachers and staff against mismanaging school property and wrongfully blaming students.
“This school is not just for today; it’s for future generations. I call upon teachers, students, parents, and the community to safeguard this investment,” he emphasized.
Highlighting the government’s continued support, Hon. Okot announced that UGX 850 million has been allocated to recruit qualified teachers for Adeknino Seed Secondary School. Additionally, he revealed that within a month, the school would be connected to the power grid through district efforts, and plans were underway to construct a standard football pitch.
Speaking on behalf of Bygon Enterprises Limited, contractor Bosco Okello Odongo detailed the scope of the project, which cost approximately UGX 2.686 billion and was initially scheduled for 18 months but faced delays due to funding gaps.
“Despite financial challenges, I am proud to hand over this completed project today. The school comprises three blocks of two-classroom units, a science laboratory equipped with modern furniture, a multi-purpose hall with a public address system and projector, an ICT room with installed servers, and a well-stocked library,” Okello highlighted.
He emphasized the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure such as the science laboratory, ICT room, and multi-purpose hall, which house expensive equipment.
“These facilities must be guarded jealously. If stolen, replacing them will be a significant challenge,” he warned.
Okello also mentioned that the ICT department has a running internet service provided by Freedom ICT, with 20 MB/s speed already paid for one month. However, he expressed concern that the absence of electricity would waste these resources.
The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) praised the government’s unwavering commitment to educational development, commending Hon. Okot Ogong for his active role in advocating for the school.
“This facility is not just a secondary school; it looks like a university. We must appreciate the government’s efforts and protect this investment,” the RDC stated.
He urged district leaders, school management, and the community to work together to ensure the school’s security and sustainability, emphasizing that the value of the project would only be realized if enrollment numbers matched the investment.
“The government has spent close to UGX 2.7 billion. We need to fill this school with students to justify the investment. The media should also play a role in promoting the school,” he added.
Representing the LCV Chairperson, Okuja Santos, Secretary of the Education Committee, lauded Bygon Enterprises Limited for the quality work delivered but urged them to complete the sports field to protect their company’s reputation.
He called upon the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) and the School Management Committee (SMC) to collaborate with the headteacher for smooth school operations.
“We must lobby the government to recruit more teachers, especially those who were previously assured of employment here. The dropout rate at the primary level also worries me because these pupils are needed to fill schools like Adeknino,” Santos noted.
He appealed to Hon. Okot Ogong to advocate for the school’s fencing to enhance security, citing limited district funding.
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Godfrey Ogwang, expressed satisfaction with the project’s completion, emphasizing the need for proper management and maintenance.
“Seeing is believing. This is a beautiful school with excellent facilities, but we need to plan for continuous maintenance to preserve it for future generations,” Ogwang said.
He pointed out gaps such as the lack of walkways, which could pose challenges during the rainy season, and the need for reliable water and power supply.
“Water and electricity are essential for the school’s operation. We must work together to ensure these services are provided without delay,” he stressed.
Ogwang also warned against theft, urging the surrounding communities to remain vigilant and reject stolen school property.
The inauguration of Adeknino Seed Secondary School marks a significant achievement for Dokolo District, offering hope for improved academic performance and educational access.
The state-of-the-art infrastructure, government support, and community involvement create an environment poised to produce future leaders, professionals, and innovators.
As Hon. Okot Ogong aptly concluded, “This school is an investment for generations. Let us protect it, support it, and ensure it fulfills the dream we all share—a brighter future for Dokolo.”
