East African Gazette
Katakwi
Despite the Government’s efforts to enhance educational accessibility in different regions of the nation, there remains a significant challenge of high school dropout rates, particularly among girls in secondary schools.
This issue can be primarily attributed to several factors, including the long distances students have to travel to reach secondary schools, the high cost of education, inadequate menstrual hygiene facilities, the absence of feeding programs in schools, and cultural barriers, among other reasons.
![](https://eastafricangazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Usuk-03-1024x683.jpg)
In response to this pressing concern, the Vice President, Maj (RTD) Jessica Rose Epel Alupo, has emphasized that the government is implementing a policy to gradually establish a seed secondary school in every sub-county and a primary school in every parish across the country.
This phased approach aims to address the existing gaps and provide better educational opportunities for all students.
“Available data reveals that there are presently 1,617 parishes without a public primary school and 350 sub-counties without a secondary school,” she noted.
Officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Okulonyo Seed Secondary School in Okocho village, Okulonyo Sub County, Usuk County, Katakwi district, Alupo emphasized the government’s commitment to serving and providing services to the people.
Tona Uganda Limited will be responsible for constructing the school on a 16-acre land generously offered by Bosco Okiror, the MP for Usuk County in Okocho parish.
The initial phase of the project will include the construction of four classroom blocks, staff houses, an administration block, pit latrines, and other necessary facilities. This phase is expected to be completed within six months.
Alupo urged the community to take ownership of the project by actively monitoring the construction site to ensure that the funds are utilized effectively.
If completed, the leaders in the district are hopeful that this will increase enrollment as many of the children in the area will have the opportunity to join secondary education.
Expressing gratitude, she thanked the community for their overwhelming presence at the groundbreaking ceremony, highlighting the significance of returning to their ancestral land due to the government’s efforts in maintaining peace in the border sub-counties and districts.
Furthermore, she encouraged those interested in working with the contractor to demonstrate good behavior, as this would not only provide them with a source of income but also contribute to the improvement of their family’s financial situation.
Alupo also appealed to the district council to pass a resolution that would discourage the degradation of the environment, particularly through the burning of bushes, as it negatively impacts soil fertility.
She disclosed that the architect responsible for designing Soroti University is also the mastermind behind the new project, saying that due to their track record of exceptional work they hope the work to be completed on time.
Consequently, she encouraged parents to allow their children to attend school, as the Epel Memorial Institute for vocational training.
“We currently have two technical schools one in Usuk county and the other in Ngariam county, Katakwi technical school. Let all children go to school, whether with disability, girl or boy child, so that they can get jobs that can sustain their families,” Alupo explained
![](https://eastafricangazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Usuk-02-1-1024x683.jpg)
She warned and discouraged parents from marrying off marrying off their children before completing school till graduation.
Additionally, the Vice President urged communities to commence preparations for the upcoming planting season while anticipating the arrival of rains.
“You should not sit and wait for rains and wake up to plant when not planned. Please plan in advance, that’s when you’ll get good yields,” she noted.
MP for Usuk County in Okocho parish, Okiror instructed the contractor to strictly adhere to the Bills of Quantities and called upon all stakeholders to fulfill their respective responsibilities during the project implementation.
He also emphasized the importance of the contractor delivering high-quality work and urged the community to ensure the protection of the land.
In relation to this, the RDC of Katakwi district, Maj. Godfrey Katamba, announced that Katakwi has received funding for the establishment of two seed schools in Okulonyo, the efforts she attribute to their Vice Present