President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged to establish 12 new secondary schools in Lamwo district over the next five years as part of a broader government plan to promote education, peace, and wealth creation across Uganda.
The announcement has brought renewed hope to the people of Lamwo, one of Northern Uganda’s least-served districts in terms of secondary education infrastructure. Currently, the district has only seven secondary schools serving 19 sub-counties, despite having 74 government primary schools, 86 parishes, and 530 villages.
For years, parents and local leaders have decried the long distances learners, especially girls, travel to access post-primary education. Many pupils drop out after completing Primary Seven due to the lack of nearby schools or the high costs of transport and boarding.
President Museveni, who is seeking another term of office to make it beyond 40 years, said the government will prioritise bridging this education gap as part of his five-year development agenda.
We must ensure that every Ugandan child has access to quality education without walking long distances. The government will build new secondary schools in underserved areas like Lamwo so that all sub-counties have one, seed secondary school” he said.
Lamwo District Education Officer Banabas Langoya, welcomed the pledge, describing it as a “game changer” for rural learners. “This is a major boost for our district. Many learners, especially girls, fail to continue with education because of distance. With these 12 new schools, we expect improved enrollment, retention, and performance,” he noted.
Residents have also expressed optimism, saying the pledge fulfills a long-standing community dream. Grace Akello, a mother from Palabek Gem sub-county, said her children currently walk more than 10 kilometers to reach the nearest secondary school. “If the government builds one closer, it will save our children from dropping out and give them a chance for a better future,” she said.
The President’s pledge for Lamwo fits into his broader national agenda for peace, development, and wealth creation over the next five years. He emphasized that sustaining peace remains a cornerstone for all progress.
“Without peace, there can be no development. Our duty as leaders is to ensure that every Ugandan can live and work in a safe environment,” Museveni said during a political rally on October 22, 2025 at Padibe Boys Primary school in Padibe town council, Lamwo.
He reaffirmed his government’s focus on improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, and income generation through initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), skilling hubs and Emyooga. These programs aim to empower households to transition from subsistence farming to commercial production.
“We want every household to be part of the money economy. The government will continue supporting farmers and youth with capital, training, and access to markets,” the President added.
The LC5 chairperson of Lamwo district, Sisto Oyet Ocen said the district stands to benefit from both improved education and economic opportunities. He believes the new schools will not only increase literacy but also foster long-term growth by preparing a skilled and productive population.
As Lamwo awaits implementation, residents say the President’s pledge represents more than just buildings; it symbolizes a renewed commitment to equal opportunity and rural transformation.