By Haron Okwir
DOKOLO – Uganda’s High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa, Ambassador Paul Amoru Omiat, has donated over 4.2 million shilling towards the construction of a multipurpose hall at Agwata Secondary School in Agwata Town Council, Dokolo District.
Ambassador Amoru made the contribution on Saturday during a fundraising ceremony attended by political leaders, school administrators, parents, students, religious leaders, and Old Boys and Old Girls of the school.
As Chief Guest, he commended the school administration and Board of Governors for prioritising the construction of the hall, describing it as a vital facility that will serve multiple purposes, including examinations, conferences, co-curricular activities and religious services.
Amoru urged parents to prioritise education and encouraged them to continue supporting their children’s education despite the challenges they may face.
He also called for deliberate programmes to keep Old Boys and Old Girls connected to the school, proposing that schools establish dedicated offices or structures to coordinate alumni affairs and encourage former students to continue contributing to the development of their former schools.
Amoru further challenged students to study hard and protect the reputation of Agwata Secondary School, urging them to abandon the mindset that education is solely the responsibility of the headteacher or Board of Governors.
The Chairperson of the Agwata Secondary School Board of Governors and Member of Parliament for Otuke County, Hon. Paul Omara, said the school has undergone significant transformation since he joined the Board.
He said the Board’s vision is to develop Agwata Secondary School into an institution capable of competing favourably with schools in Lira, Otuke and other parts of the country.
Omara said the Board is focusing on creating a conducive learning environment through improved infrastructure, including a library, classrooms and a computer laboratory.
Meanwhile, Don Wanyama, Chief Executive Officer of Vision Group, who accompanied Ambassador Amoru, donated 15 bags of cement towards the project and pledged to provide textbooks worth Shs2 million to Agwata Secondary School.
The school’s Head Teacher, John Bosco Acon, said the decision to construct the multi-purpose hall was driven by the increasing student population.
He explained that the facility is expected to serve as classrooms, an examination hall, conference hall, church service hall and for other school activities.
The Chairperson of the organising committee, Mr. Bob Yapi, said the fundraising committee had targeted more than Shs60 million, but managed to raise Shs14 million in cash and 50 bags of cement, excluding pending pledges.
He revealed that the Bill of Quantities for the proposed multi-purpose hall stands at approximately Shs282 million.
Agwata Secondary School is a government-aided institution currently with an enrolment of more than 950 students and 57 teaching and non-teaching staff.
