By Haron Okwir
Leaders in Dokolo District have urged students to remain disciplined and committed to both sports and academics as they welcomed six athletes who proudly represented the district and the entire Lango Sub-region at the 2026 National Secondary Schools Athletics Championships.
The national championships, held from 8th to 17th July 2026 at Sacred Heart Secondary School in Gulu City, attracted secondary school athletes from across Uganda.
The six athletes are Alaba Judith, Olyec Soddrick, Adero Flavia, Akello Naume and Obura Mackoni from Dokolo Progressive Secondary School, as well as Acio Jesca from Bata Secondary School in Bata Town Council.
Speaking during a meeting with the athletes at his office yesterday, Dokolo District Sports Officer, Mr. Godfrey Ojungo, commended the students for representing the district with distinction.
He particularly praised Dokolo Progressive Secondary School for its commitment to identifying and nurturing young talent, describing it as one of the leading schools in talent development within the district.
Ojungo applauded sports teachers and school administrators for their efforts in identifying, developing, and promoting student talent.
He also encouraged schools to establish proper records of talented students to enable them to access future opportunities whenever they arise.
He further urged the athletes to remain disciplined, prioritize their health, and maintain consistent training and practice to achieve even greater success.
The District Education Officer, Mr. Patrick Okai, congratulated the athletes for not only representing Dokolo District but also showcasing their talents on the national stage.
He expressed appreciation to Dokolo Progressive Secondary School for producing a large number of athletes who represented the district and pledged continued support to ensure that talented students are given opportunities to excel.
Okai revealed that the Education Department will continue allocating resources to support sports development, noting that many Ugandans have built successful careers through sports citing renowned Ugandan footballer Allan Okello, who hails from the Lango Sub-region, as an example of how talent can transform lives.
The Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Denis Orit, encouraged the students to maintain the same level of dedication in both academics and sports. He emphasized that discipline remains the foundation of success and noted that sports have become a gateway to education scholarships, employment, and professional careers.
Meanwhile, Mr. Franchise Osika, coach of Dokolo Progressive Secondary School, advised the athletes to maintain close contact with district sports officials and other stakeholders who continue to support and guide their sporting journeys.
In separate interviews, the athletes thanked the district leadership for recognizing their achievements and appealed for greater support from their schools.
They cited challenges experienced during the competition, including inadequate welfare and a shortage of sports uniforms, particularly tracksuits, and called for improved facilitation to enable them to perform even better in future competitions.
