Otuke | Isaac Opio Opeo, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (ARDC) of Otuke district, has “mediated” reconciliation between Okwang Technical Institute officials after years of animosity.
On November 8, 2024, ARDC Opeo represented his senior, George Abdul, at the Institute, where he advocated for a positive working relationship between school administration, parents, and stakeholders.
As he spoke, Opeo requested that Bursar John Kennedy Mari and Principal Robert Okello reconcile. Opeo directed the two to hug each other and asked the religious leaders present to pray for them.
Following the prayers, John and Okello agreed to work together.
Opeo promised to always serve as a unifying force in resolving conflicts in Otuke district.
He advised both parents and school authorities to always resolve their differences amicably.
The Assistant RDC also praised Okwang Technical Institute students for seizing the opportunity presented by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who pledged to build the school.
There are Technical Institutes all over the country that teach youth vocational skills.
“Technical education is good and should be taken seriously so that learners will in future get the rewards,” said Opeo.
Ojok Okello Paul, chairman of Okwang Technical’s Board of Governors, praised the students for their discipline and advised the new leaders to instill discipline and maintain positive behavior.
He also asked the local council and parents to avoid fights between staff members because they could interfere with their work, and he advised parents to spread Okwang’s gospel.
About Okwang
Okwang Technical is situated in Ogweng village, Obongwer parish, Okwang sub-county, Otuke district. It is two kilometres from Baralegi State Lodge.
The Institute was established in 2010 as a result of the president’s campaign pledge. Two classroom blocks and two workshop units were established during the fiscal year 2015/2016.
Another round of funding was released in the fiscal year 2016/2017 for the construction of boys and girls dormitories as well as staff housing.
Okwang, like the rest of the country, was subjected to COVID19 lockdowns in 2021, disrupting normal operations. In the same year, the principal and his deputy were assigned to oversee the Institute’s 33 teaching staff.
The Institute’s normal operations began in 2022, with 32 students enrolled. Today, in 2024, enrollment has increased to 126 students across all departments.
Okwang currently offers six (6) national certificate courses, including woodwork technology, automotive mechanic, shoemaking and leather production, agriculture and production, building construction certificates, and fashion and designs.
Despite the presidential pledge over the years, Principal Robert Okello identified challenges, including a lack of funds to expand and set the institute’s standards.
He stated that only shs575,000,000 of the President’s shs3.5 billion pledge has been released, and that the remaining shs2.5 billion must be followed up on in order to have a well-structured modern learning environment.
Academic performance
The Principal stated that the Institute has excelled in exams since 2022, with 62% of the total candidates who sat in 2023 ranking third in the country with a 91% score.
In response to the Principal’s concerns, the ARDC promised to report to the RDC for appropriate management, stating that the office would coordinate with the office of CAO Otuke District Local Government.
By Regina Lalam Olal
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