Lira City East Division launches support supervision for gov’t-aided primary schools

Lira City East Division has rolled out a new teacher support supervision system across its 28 government-aided primary schools. 

The initiative marks a significant shift from traditional fault-finding inspections to a collaborative model that emphasises on-the-job mentorship, targeted classroom feedback, continuous professional development, and emotional support for educators.

Addressing journalists at Elia Olet Primary School on Thursday, July 2, 2026, Sarah Aol—chairperson of the Lira City East Division Head Teachers’ Association, also 3rd vice president of Uganda primary schools’ sports association for Northern Uganda which covers Lango, Acholi, West Nile and Karamoja and Head Teacher of Elia Olet Primary School—confirmed that the new approach was conceived by the division leadership.

According to Aol, the goal is to directly enhance pedagogical skills and improve overall educational outcomes in the division.

Aol further explained that the assessment process, which involved inspecting and supervising teacher performance during classroom sessions, provided an opportunity for one-on-one interactions with teachers.

She noted that the exercise encouraged educators to remain committed to their professional calling while also identifying areas for improvement.

The primary focus, she added, was to oversee how teachers prepare and organise their lesson plans and schemes of work on a daily basis.

She also revealed that over the four-day exercise, both achievements and challenges were documented. Many schools presented unique difficulties that will require intervention from the city authority.

Aol extended her appreciation to the central city leadership, headed by Sam Atul, and the education department for approving their proposal to conduct the inspection and supervision exercise.

Otode Amos, headteacher of Erute Primary School, described the supervision model as a “bright idea” that will foster stronger connectivity between head teachers and their staff.

He noted that the interactive program had already imparted valuable lessons and is expected to greatly improve school administration and management.

However, Otode also raised concerns about some parents, stating that many need to be compelled to pay assessment facilitation fees meant for their children’s examinations.

“This is not right,” he said, adding that at his school, some parents do not value education.

He observed that children are often kept busy at local markets selling goods such as water, eggs, and bread instead of attending classes.

Mildren Akullu, deputy headteacher of Ayomorem Primary School, said the exercise was highly educational, shedding light on the challenges faced by schools, pupils, and teachers.

She noted that some schools have an overwhelming number of learners, making it difficult for classroom blocks and furniture—such as desks—to accommodate all students.

Regarding lesson planning, Akullu pointed out that teachers are expected to prepare lesson plans for 12 weeks per term.

While some educators were encouraged to improve their planning, she acknowledged that others demonstrated remarkable creativity by using visual aids like charts, posters, and drawings on classroom walls to help learners grasp concepts more effectively.

Catherine Akello, a primary three teacher at Elia Olet Primary School, who handles both English Language and Reading, praised the initiative for fostering a sense of togetherness.

“We learn better through practice, and no one is above improvement,” she remarked, appreciating the supportive feedback provided during the supervision.

Lira City East Division comprises the following government-aided primary schools: Akia, Elia Olet, Boke, Adwila, Owinyo, Adekokwok, VH Public, Ayago, Canon Lawrence Dem School, Aduku Road, Ewal, Negtta Boys, Negtta Girls, Erute, Ongica, Railway, and others.