By Ouni Jaspher
ALEBTONGCommunity of Amugu town council in Alebtong District on Sunday staged a demonstration protesting alleged insecurity and poor management, which they say has led to the decline in Student Enrolment and good performance of Amugu Agro Technical Institute.
The demonstration was led by Amugu Town Council LC3 Chairperson Bonny Ocen and Alebtong District Deputy Speaker Badru Oguti Asiraf.
Protesters cited poor financial management, corruption, and insecurity at the institution, including the deployment of police and the arrest of three students, as key grievances.
Bonny Ocen said the protest followed a meeting held at the Town Council Mayor’s Garden aimed at restoring good leadership and safeguarding the welfare of students at the institute.
Moses Opel, the Director of Studies, and Paul Abitimo, the Guild Speaker, highlighted staff and student dissatisfaction.
They accused the principal, Eng. Tibamanyima Francis, of poor mentorship, noting a loss of morale among staff, constant police presence at the school, and the arrest of three students.
Deputy Speaker Badru Oguti Asiraf said the rights of the community should be respected and called for an audit of the institution before any decision to dismiss the principal.
He also demanded that the Officer in Charge of police Rubarema Joshua be interdicted and urged authorities to follow up on the arrested students to ensure their release.
Community members who spoke during the meeting echoed concerns over the institution’s decline, once one of the most respected in the region.
Amugu Agro Technical Institute, established in 1984, has seen enrolment drop from over 1,000 students to 71.
In response to the allegations, Principal Eng. Tibamanyima Francis attributed the institute’s decline to the community’s negative attitude toward supporting the school, particularly through payment of fees, which he said has made administration difficult.
He confirmed that three students were arrested by police and will be taken to court over alleged mobilization to abduct the principal.
He added that challenges facing the institution have already been submitted to the Ministry of Education and Sports.
Rubarema Joshua, Officer in Charge of Amugu Town Council Police Station, described the demonstration as illegal, saying police were not informed of the reasons behind it despite being on standby as protesters marched to the station.
Assistant RDC Alebtong District Jimmy Emanuel Okello confirmed that authorities were aware of the demonstration and appealed for calm as the matter is being handled.
The community has vowed to continue pressing for accountability, warning that the continued decline of the institute threatens skills development and economic opportunities for youth in the area.
