Anniversary Series, Aber P7 @100: Story by Beatrice Catherine Lagada 

Aber Primary School in Akaka Parish, Aber Sub-county in Oyam district will celebrate 100 years next month.

On December 16, 2023, thousands of Aberians from home and afar will welcome guests from different parts of the country to mark 10 decades and fundraise for the development of the school.

As we look forward to the Grand Day, tndNews’ second edition of “The Anniversary Series, Aber P7 @100″, brings you a story and memories by one of the school’s Old Girls – Hon. Beatrice Catherine Lagada.

Below, she writes: 

I started my primary school life as a joke. From my mother’s account, I was about four (4) years old and I used to be taken to play with little children of teachers. I remember playing on the sand and drawing pictures and figures. 

When exams came, I also sat and passed! That made me get enrolled in P.1, prematurely. I studied in Aber up to P. 4, left in 1964 and went to Ireda Primary School in Lira. After which, I joined King’s College Budo for my Secondary Education. 

Also read: Jesuit Refugee Services celebrates 30 years of services in Uganda

I hold a Bachelor of Education from Makerere University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Planning for Decentralised Governance from the Institute of Rural Development, India.

My memories are of a competition which was based on keeping the compound clean. We were divided into groups, named after African Countries. 

We had to slash and maintain our grounds. Then on the appointed day, something akin to an open day where the parents and community would attend, prizes would be given. Representatives of these various Countries would be chosen. 

I still remember representing my “country Ghana” (as assigned at that time) and winning a prize! My best friend was Hellen Angwech, daughter of Okello Egwel from Corner Atapara who is now married in Busia, Kenya. We are still in touch. 

One day, in P.4, we were whispering and giggling as usual while the teacher was teaching! Suddenly, she summoned us in front and ordered us to demonstrate to the class how women give birth! Little did we know she was overhearing our naughty conversation! 

Naturally, this earned us some good canes! I also remember learning the Catechism in the grass-thatched Church which was in the same compound with the school. You had to sing it before you could be baptized. My grandfather, the late Wilicon Odongo loved to repair the Church roof.

I can still see him on top of the roof with someone throwing grass up at him. I also remember him riding his bicycle, policing the roads leading to the school in the mornings with his long cane “opobo”.

Woe unto any child he found dawdling along the road instead of being in school. He would chase you while you taste the opobo up to school!

Also read: The Anniversary Series, Aber P7 @100: Peter Acol (1969-1976)

Publication’s Appeal to the General Public: If you would like to support the fundraising efforts, or would like to donate to develop the school, please contact the Chairperson Organizing Committee, Mr David Egwel at +256 772852356.

Also read: Anniversary Series: How to donate to support the renovations of Aber Primary School classroom blocks 

Are you an OG or OB of Aber Primary School? Do you have a story to tell, or memories to share? If you have, share them with us at: tndnews2012@gmail.com, newsroom@tndnewsuganda.com or via WhatsApp No. +256 700702961.