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The Government has launched the construction of a shillings 897 million Amugo Seed Secondary School in Amugo sub-county, Alebtong district.

The development is expected to ease access to secondary education for the residents of the sub-county.

The project under the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfer (Ugift) programme funded by the World Bank was launched on February 26, 2024, at Ocom village by Government Chief Whip, who is also Ajuri County Member of Parliament, Denis Hamson Obua.

Obua (second left) joins Lango traditional dance during the launch at Ocom village in Amugo, Alebtong. (Credit: Patrick Okino)

The school is expected to be constructed in three phases according to senior district engineer David Puce. The scope of works in the first phase will include construction of two classroom blocks, an administration block, two-stance latrine for administration block and latrine for boys and girls.

Puce said other facilities to be established in the new school include staff accommodation, kitchens, latrines and sports facilities.

African construction and contractor Ltd is undertaking the work due to be concluded in June, according to the contract period and then the second phase of the project starts.

Obua listed some of the seed schools set up by the Government through the education ministry within two years in Ajuri County as Angetta, Awei and Adwir.

More lined for seed schools

Obua said Alebtong town council and Akura have also been lined up to get a seed secondary school each.

He urged the contractor to support the local economy of Alebtong by employing young people in the area and buy local materials such as bricks and sand.

He called upon the district also to build local capacity by supporting the local contractors because there are so many in the district capable of quality work.

He also called upon chief administrative officer Franco Olaboro and his team to embrace team work and do the right thing, at the right time and in the right place to avoid knocking heads with political leaders.

Residents contribute sh25m

Jamila Akello, the district secretary for education, health and community service, cautioned the contractor against shoddy work.

LC3 chairperson David Ojom said he faced a lot of challenges, especially in securing land for the establishment of the school because there was political intrigue and bickering.

He expressed optimism over the project saying it will help the poor community in the area who cannot afford to send their children to expensive schools to access secondary education easily.

District Woman Member of Parliament Dorcas Acen advised parents to embrace the development by sending their children to the school.