By Our Reporter.
Gweri, Soroti District — Mr. Opolot Abel, a frontrunner in the race for Gweri County Member of Parliament, yesterday led the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a two-classroom block and staff room at Osuguro Community Primary School. The project, which is expected to be completed in 2025, aims to address the dire conditions under which the school currently operates and to ease the significant challenges faced by the local community in accessing education.
Osuguro Community Primary School was established by parents who, for years, struggled with the long distances their children had to travel to attend school. The nearest schools, Opar and Awoja Primary Schools, are situated nearly four kilometers away, a daunting distance for young children. This trek not only posed dangers for the children but also contributed to a high dropout rate within the community. The school now accommodates approximately 700 pupils, yet the learning conditions are far from conducive. Pupils are taught in makeshift classrooms made from papyrus mats, and during the rainy season, many are forced to sit on the wet ground.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Opolot Abel expressed his deep commitment to transforming education in Gweri County. “This project marks the beginning of a long-term plan to uplift the standards of education for the children in this community,” he said. “No child should have to endure such hardships just to get an education. We owe it to them to provide a safe, supportive learning environment.”
The construction of the new classrooms is expected to improve the learning conditions significantly. It will provide a dry and secure space for students to learn, thereby reducing absenteeism and increasing the overall quality of education offered at the school.
Community leaders, parents, and local authorities praised Mr. Opolot Abel for his swift action and commitment to improving education in the area. As the 2026 elections approach, many see this initiative as a clear demonstration of his dedication to addressing the needs of Gweri County’s most vulnerable populations.
Once completed, the new classroom block will represent a major milestone in the development of Osuguro Community Primary School, providing a lasting solution to some of the educational challenges faced by the community.