Norway builds 23 schools in Acholi region

By Norman Katende

The Norwegian government has asked the Ugandan Government to take over the community schools it helped improve and urged the community to make use of the schools.

The Norwegian ambassador to Uganda, Thorbjorn Gaustadsaether (right), made the call while handing over one of the 23 schools built in Acholi using the sh7.808b that was refunded to Norway by the Prime Minister’s Office.

The money had been mismanaged under the Peace Recovery and Development Plan for Northern Uganda programme.

“The Norwegians were happy to help foster change in Acholi. We are happy that the children will continue to study. We have also provided teachers’ houses, which will reduce levels of absenteeism.

"We are requesting the Government to aid the schools and pay teachers’ salaries,” Gaustadsaether said.

A total of 104 classrooms were built and furnished in 23 schools. Twenty seven classrooms were rehabilitated.

Others built were 230 latrine stances, 12 new offices and stores, 84 houses for teachers and three boreholes.

The development was supervised by the Norwegian Refugee Committee. Atubamaki Anthony, the Amuru district chairman, called on the community to take good care of the structures.

Martin Oroma, the area LC1 chairman, said they had been praying for a school in the community.