By Richard Onapatum
Katakwi – Residents of Okadanya village, Adacar parish, Guya Guya Subcounty in Katakwi district, celebrated the commissioning of a new community school on Friday, March 1st, 2024, thanks to the efforts of Vice President Jessica Alupo.
The Okadanya Community Primary School, which traces its origins back to 1930, had been operating under a mango tree and a temporary grass-thatched structure, accommodating students from classes P1 to P3.
Through the persuasive efforts of the area MP, VP Jessica Alupo, the school secured support from the Nile Humanitarian Development Agency in Turkey, initiating the construction of a proper school building and providing ongoing assistance to the community institution.
Choda William, the LC1 chairman of Okadanya parish, expressed gratitude to the VP for connecting them with the Nile Humanitarian Development Agency, underscoring the need for additional resources such as boreholes and road infrastructure to enhance the community’s livelihoods.
“We thank the government for freeing us from camps. We are now living freely in our homes,” remarked Choda William, highlighting the strides made towards improving living conditions in the area.
Otim Amos, the Chairman LC3 of Guyaguya, extended his appreciation to Vice President Alupo for her dedication to the people of Uganda, particularly the Teso region. He urged for the inclusion of teachers from Guyaguya Primary School into government payroll and emphasized the importance of supporting vulnerable youths and elders within the community.
Ogulo Michael, the headmaster of Okadanya Community Primary School, highlighted the challenges faced by the school, including a lack of water and textbooks, as well as unpaid salaries for teachers. He appealed to the VP for assistance in addressing these pressing issues.
Issa, the Board Chairperson of the Nile Humanitarian Development Agency, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reiterated the agency’s commitment to supporting Okadanya Community Primary School. He encouraged the community to continue backing VP Alupo and emphasized her dedication to serving Uganda.
Hakan Wills, the Executive Director of the Nile Humanitarian Development Agency, praised VP Alupo for her tireless efforts in improving communities and urged the residents to support her continued leadership.
In response, VP Jessica Alupo commended the district leadership for their cooperation in facilitating development projects. She emphasized the significance of the new school, declaring, “This school has come to resurrect and stand forever,” symbolizing hope and progress for the community.
The VP conveyed greetings from President Yoweri Museveni and Minister of Education Janet Museveni, acknowledging the collective efforts in realizing the school project and promising further support for education and healthcare initiatives in the region.
VP Alupo assured the community of upcoming developments, including the establishment of a regional referral hospital in Katakwi and the elevation of Koritok Health Centre to HC IV status. She encouraged residents to engage in commercial farming and utilize government programs to alleviate poverty.
Additionally, she pledged to address the community’s concerns regarding bicycles for local council chairpersons and vowed to support various community groups, including the Akiyo burial groups.
In conclusion, VP Alupo urged residents to unite under the NRM party and pledged her commitment to advocating for their needs at the national level.
The commissioning of Okadanya Community Primary School stands as a testament to the transformative power of collaborative efforts and dedicated leadership, offering a beacon of hope for education and development in the Katakwi district.