Amolatar Resident District Commissioner Francis Okello Odoki Rwotlonyo has called on residents to reject propaganda and divisive politics, warning that such actions could undermine service delivery and development in the district. Rwotlonyo made the remarks amid growing public frustration over the stalled construction of Arwotcek Seed Secondary School. The school's exclusion from the funding cycle has sparked anger among residents and local leaders.
The controversy surrounding the school centres on allegations that Shs600 million under the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers programme, initially designated for Arwotcek Seed Secondary School, was redirected to Ajikdak Seed Secondary School. Residents claim they demolished the school's only usable classroom block in anticipation of its inclusion in the USEIP programme, only for the institution to be dropped from the project. This has triggered anger among community members.
State Minister for Education Peter Ogwang recently apologized for the school's exclusion, explaining that the project had initially targeted 116 schools, but limited funding could only accommodate 90 institutions, leaving Arwotcek among 26 schools requiring additional financing. Ogwang pledged that the government would prioritize the construction of Arwotcek Seed Secondary School in the next financial year.
Rwotlonyo cited the minister's parliamentary response as evidence that the government was aware of the community's concerns and that the matter was being addressed through the appropriate channels. The RDC urged residents and leaders to embrace unity, dialogue, and cooperation instead of engaging in divisive political arguments.
Residents have demanded explanations from local leaders, including former LC5 Chairperson and current Kioga North MP Geoffrey Ocen, former District Education Officer Josephine Asen Okulu, and former Chief Administrative Officer Samuel Paul. The community has also sought accountability from current RDC Rwotlonyo and Chief Administrative Officer Rhoda Oroma over the circumstances surrounding the school's exclusion and the alleged redirection of funds.
Beyond the school controversy, Rwotlonyo emphasized that leadership should be treated as a sacred responsibility rather than a personal privilege, urging public officials to serve with humility, integrity, and commitment. He called for closer cooperation between residents, political leaders, and technical officials, saying collective effort was necessary to achieve the district's development priorities.
With the government expected to consider Arwotcek Seed Secondary School for funding in the next financial year, residents will be watching closely to see whether the minister's commitment translates into actual construction work. For now, the RDC is appealing for calm and constructive engagement as the community awaits the government's next move on the long-standing school project.
Key points
- The controversy surrounding Arwotcek Seed Secondary School's exclusion from the USEIP programme has sparked anger among residents and local leaders in Amolatar District.
- State Minister for Education Peter Ogwang has pledged to prioritize the construction of the school in the next financial year.
- Amolatar RDC Francis Okello Odoki Rwotlonyo has urged residents to reject propaganda and divisive politics, emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation to achieve development priorities.
