‘Sporty’: Jane Frances Acilo introduces baseball to Atapara SS

Jane Frances Acilo, Oyam District Woman Member of Parliament candidate on Saturday November 8, officially introduced baseball to Atapara Secondary School.

The school is located in Ocini parish, Kamdini sub-county, Oyam district.

‎The launch was graced by Commissioner of Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Lamex Omara Apita, Oyam district LC5 chairperson Nelson Dila Oyuku, Willy Omodo Omodo, Oyam North MP candidate and Patrick Ogwang Obura, Oyam South MP candidate.

Former Uganda Cranes captain David Obua, Lango Province Coach Bob Obira, and Levis Ocen, a former Uganda national rugby player, were also present to support the initiative and motivate students (players).

In the whole of Oyam district, ‎Atapara Secondary School is the only school with a qualified and certified baseball coach.

Acilo pledged to support the development of baseball, rugby, and basketball at the school with plans to extend these sports programs to other schools in the district over time.

Also read: Jane Frances Acilo promises health coverage in Oyam

‎Coach Obira encouraged students to balance academics and sports, emphasizing that success in both is achievable. David Obua promised to return to conduct a football clinic aimed at nurturing top football talent from Oyam, inspiring players to take pride in their heritage.

‎On the same day, an inter-class tournament between S.3 and S.5 happened with a 4-1 scoreline in favour of the former. A friendly match was also held between Atapara SS staff beat Team Jane Frances Acilo. Atapara SS staff won 2-1.

Acilo is a sports lady and currently holds Vice President’s seat of Namwongo Blazers, the reigning champions for National Basketball League.

‎To support the students’ nutrition, Acilo gave shs1 million for purchasing a bull. She also thanked fellow Oyam NRM party candidates for their support during the event.

‎About girls’ education, she encouraged girls to pursue their dreams without compromise and urged boys to remain courageous and committed to academics.

‎She donated jerseys for both the Atapara SS staff and school teams, along with seven netballs, three volleyballs, and ten footballs.

For the baseball launch, she provided essential equipment including helmets, shin guards, softball gear for girls, catchers’ gloves, and baseball bats.

Senior players from Lira City Baseball Team demonstrated how to use the equipment. ‎All participating teams received prize money exceeding shs500,000 regardless of match outcomes.