The Dokolo District Community Liaison Officer, Leo Moses Ogwal, has called on community members and school administrators to make better use of Community Liaison Officers under the Uganda Police community policing module.
Ogwal made the remarks last week while addressing students of Dokolo Progressive Secondary School during a Youth Mentorship program organized in collaboration with Platform for Community Empowerment [PLACE].
He explained that Community Liaison Officers are mandated to conduct policing, guidance and sensitization in schools, business communities, churches, and cultural gatherings, provided organizers invite them to address the community.
According to Ogwal, schools that have allowed CLOs to engage students on discipline, goal-setting, and values are already seeing positive change.
“Most of the schools I have ever visited and talked to students about discipline, their dreams and other issues that shape learners are experiencing positive change,” Ogwal said.
Despite the impact, Ogwal noted several factors hindering their work. He said some school administrators do not allocate time for Community Liaison Officers to talk to pupils. In cases where time is given, it is often too limited to address key issues.
Other challenges include lack of fuel for mobility and poor student turnout. “Some students don’t bother to attend the trainings even when they are given the opportunity to listen to us,” he added.
Ogwal urged school leadership to prioritize mentorship sessions, saying they play a critical role in building disciplined and responsible learners.
In an interview with our reporter, students of Dokolo Progressive Secondary School said the culture of mentorship should be adopted by every school.
“The mentorship program shapes us for greater heights. It teaches us discipline, how to focus on our studies and plan for our future,” one student said.
Jidio Okello, Head Teacher of Dokolo Progressive Secondary School, welcomed the initiative. He said the community also has a role to play in supporting learners after school.
“After school, the community should be able to give respect to a student who has made a difference. This training will change lives if it is put into practice,” Okello said.
The mentorship at Dokolo Progressive SS is part of PLACE’s ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional resilience, accountability, and proactive decision-making in schools across Dokolo District.
