By KT Reporter
A consortium of NGOs comprising Community Empowerment for Rural Development (CEFORD), Nebbi NGO Forum, and Life Concern, with funding from Switzerland-based NGO CO-OPERAID, has embarked on robust capacity building for primary and nursery school teachers in Zombo District under Phase II of the “Alochi Ku Somo” project.
The new phase, which commenced on January 1, 2025, is expected to run until December 2027 for UGX 4.8 billion. Phase I of the project, initiated in 2022, was implemented at a budget of UGX 4.2 billion. “Alochi Ku Somo”—translated as “Love for Education”—was launched to improve academic performance and learner retention by strengthening teacher capacity, enhancing school infrastructure, and equipping youth with practical skills.
Under Phase II, the project is supporting the improvement of classroom infrastructure in seven schools: Pagisi Primary School in Paidha Sub-county; Mvugu Lower Primary and Mvule Primary in Paidha Town Council; Pei Primary in Warr Sub-county; Warr Public Primary in Warr Town Council; and Nyandima and Angalarach Primary Schools in Atyak Sub-county.
In addition to infrastructure, the project has recognized and awarded outstanding educators. One school director and ten teachers have been selected for their exemplary service and tasked with sharing their best practices across their respective sub-counties.
School director Paula Wathum of Cana Primary School received UGX 2 million, while the ten teachers—Gatrud Giramia of Nguthe Primary School, Jerry Kisarach of Uwinyupyelo Primary School, Dickson Ocan of Atyak Primary School, Felix Adrapi of Ukemu Primary School, Gloria Yikpamungu of Pagisi Primary School, Binega Patrick of Got-Cam Primary School, Grace Cwinyaai Atimango of Pei Primary School, Keffa Ukurrwoth of Kaya Primary School, Lilian Unziru of Nyandima Primary School, and Francis Acamfua of Warr Public Primary School—each received UGX 1.5 million. An additional UGX 1 million was allocated to support projects at their respective schools.
During the award ceremony held on April 14, 2025, at Nebbi NGO Forum’s offices in Paidha Town Council, Alfred Ogenmungu, project officer for “Alochi Ku Somo,” emphasized the role of this funding in supporting both personal and professional development. “This money is meant to improve yourself and learners,” Ogenmungu said.
Zombo District Community Development Officer and chair of the selection jury, Samuel Ochaki, acknowledged the dire state of school facilities across the district. “We only have little resources, with only about UGX 200 million. What can we do?” he posed. The district schools inspector, Silvio Jalar, urged teachers to lead by example in ensuring learners can apply classroom knowledge effectively. “Be the team that encourages teachers to clock in and out and manage these types of tasks,” Jalar said.
“Make our learners pass assessments, become intelligent and skillful, and have a big heart.”
John Paskal Wapokurwa, a representative of the Alur Kingdom, commended the consortium’s efforts, noting that poor academic performance remains a challenge in the region. “Back in 2019, Greater Nebbi was among the top nine poorly performing districts in the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE),” Wapokurwa recalled.
Paula Wathum, the award-winning school director, said the recognition was well-earned and that she plans to use the funds to further her studies at Kyambogo University. “We have encouraged teamwork among teachers, pupils, the PTA, SMC, and the community,” Wathum said.
The project is being implemented in close collaboration with district authorities and communities. Under Phase I, 21 classroom blocks and staff houses were constructed or renovated through a co-funding model. While communities contributed local materials such as bricks, sand, stones, and water, CO-OPERAID provided financial resources for the development.
Last month, Zombo Resident District Commissioner Festus Ayikobua ordered the temporary closure of government-aided Mvule Primary School due to its deteriorated infrastructure and poor sanitation. The school was reopened after makeshift arrangements were made, but it remains critically under-equipped, with just one latrine stance serving 436 pupils and staff-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
