By KT Reporter
The Iteso Cultural Union -ICU has successfully secured five fully sponsored scholarships each year for Iteso students at Soroti’s Civil Aviation Authority Flying School. This development comes after President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni approving the initiative during a meeting with Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng at State House Entebbe.
The terms state that the institution must favor applicants from predominantly poor families. An independent body will be assigned to verify the applicants’ backgrounds to ensure they genuinely come from disadvantaged circumstances, and candidates must reside within the Teso Sub-region.
For years, Soroti Flying School, situated on Iteso ancestral land, has been a beacon of hope for aspiring aviators. Yet, despite its proximity, local students have faced barriers in accessing training opportunities.
High tuition fees, often exceeding tens of millions of shillings, have left many talented youths from the Teso region grounded, while other regions have capitalized on the school’s offerings.
“This decision is a turning point for our community,” Emorimor Emolot said. “Our goal is to raise the value of our children and position Teso as a hub of skilled aviators.”The first cohort of scholarship recipients is expected to enroll in the coming academic year, opening an exciting new chapter for the region’s youth.
Stephen Ojacor, the ICU Information Minister, expressed relief and optimism regarding the scholarships. “For years, Teso students have struggled to gain entry into the Soroti Flying School despite its location in their own backyard,” he said. “This initiative will finally provide equitable access to aviation education.”
Community leaders have welcomed this move with open arms. “We have watched other regions take advantage of a school that sits on our land while our children only dream of becoming pilots,” lamented Margaret Akurut, a retired teacher from Soroti City. “The President’s decision is long overdue and deeply welcome.”
The scholarships will cover tuition, flight hours, and technical training, with candidates selected through the ICU in coordination with the Ministry of Teso Affairs to ensure inclusivity from across the region’s twelve districts.
Capt. Julius Ogwang, an instructor at Soroti Flying School, described the program as transformative. “Aviation is not just about flying planes; it’s a gateway to engineering, safety management, and global opportunities. With dedicated scholarships, Teso can begin producing its own pilots and aircraft maintenance experts.”
The economic implications of this initiative could be profound.
Faruk Kirunda the deputy press secretary at the President’s Office confirmed that the Emorimor had a private meeting with Museveni at which a lot was discussed.
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