‎As Uganda approaches the end of the 2026 academic year, secondary schools in Dokolo District are reporting a positive change in student behaviour following a student mentorship program by the Platform for Community Empowerment (PLACE), aimed at tackling indiscipline and other vices in schools.

‎With support from Lango Broadcasting Service (LBS), the Education Department, the Office of the Dokolo District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Sarah Aguti, and the Office of the Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Ismail Masaba, PLACE reached out to students in most schools across Dokolo, sensitizing them on the dangers of teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, and other factors that contribute to school dropout, especially in this third term.

‎Welcoming the PLACE team for the second time at Adeknino Seed Secondary School, the Headteacher, Koli Susan, thanked the team for their continued efforts.

‎She advised learners not to abandon their books during the holidays but to keep reading to stay sharp.

‎”People are buying knowledge and ideas, but because of the love for the young generation, Platform for Community Empowerment is offering it to us freely. We want student mentorship to become a system in Adeknino Seed Secondary School every term,” she said.

‎Speaking during the mentorship session, Sarah Akullo, a social worker, explained how ignorance, poor parenting, too much freedom, and indiscipline can lead to teenage pregnancy and school dropout.

‎According to Akullo, school is itself a contraceptive measure against teenage pregnancy, urging students to remain in school and not fall victim to circumstances like many girls out of school in their communities.

‎According to Bernard Oribo, a trainer at Platform for Community Empowerment, missing prep, lessons, pretending to be sick, and engaging in unnecessary activities waste learners’ time and later cause them to fail when time catches up with them.

‎”There are mistakes you can make at this age that seem to have no consequences, but when they continue and time catches up with you, they become a problem, and later you discover you have messed up,” he noted.

‎He cautioned boys to be mindful of their thoughts and behaviour, especially greeting girls and continuing with bad touches after greeting, and asking unnecessary questions such as ‘you are growing fat, why?’

‎”There is nothing that can stop you when you discover your potential, as many of you have the potential to elevate your families,” Oribo explained.

‎He said a very small positive step taken consistently is what builds a person, and learners should remember to choose wisely.

‎Dr. Peter Opio Ocheng also tipped learners on the benefits of education and the goodness of staying in school.

‎In his message, read out by Francis Osika to students of Adeknino Seed Secondary School, Dr. Opio Ocheng said: “Good evening all. As the students prepare to go home, the first thing they must know is respect for all. At this young age, there is no better asset like integrity. Interpret these quotes to them: ‘However much educated one is, whatever wealth one accumulates in this world, if the person has no integrity, such a person is only a problem to society.’ All students you meet must go home knowing these. Continue preaching these. I wish you all blessings as you progressively mentor young ones.”

‎Francis Osika of Platform for Community Empowerment said there is nothing more important in daily life at school than being determined and thinking before acting – in all they do.

‎Osika said learners should strengthen their focus and always question some decisions before making them.

‎Ambrose Ogwang, a Senior Medical Clinical Officer, told students to desist from engaging in activities not meant for their age.

‎”Sex is for mature people, pregnancy is for mature people, and drinking is not for young people,” he said.

‎According to Ogwang, whoever engages in sex, drugs, or gets pregnant during their teenage years is at a very high risk of losing their future or even dying too early due to complications that may arise.

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