St. Charles Lwanga’s College Alumni Celebrates Mass At Kalongo Catholic Church And Hold Meeting At Kalongo Catholic Parish

St. Charles Lwanga’s College Alumni, on the 1st /12/2024 congregated for the first time holding a successful meeting since the last election of an interim body to manage the affairs of the alumni.

The event began with mass celebration at Kalongo Catholic Church and thereafter, culminated with a meeting of alumni, BoG, PTA, local Politicians and well-wishers at Kalongo Catholic Parish.

Many former students turned up and animated the mass in a colourful eucharistic celebration. The mass was presided over by Reverand Father Guido Miotti. In his homily, he cautioned the Christians to be more prayerful and faithful to God, and not be covetous of earthly possessions and pleasures. He then urged the congregation to be prepared at all times so that they are not caught unprepared when death takes them suddenly, lest they miss the kingdom of God.

The meeting was moderated by Mr. Otema Amolo Robert who is in-charge of publicity of the affairs of the Alumni. He welcomed everybody and asked them to introduce themselves by indicating when they joined St. Charles Lwanga’s College, and their journey up to where they are now, and what they do. Everybody got the chance to introduce themselves, with the oldest student being one who joined in 1968 and many others who studied between then and as recent as this year 2024.

The alumni were drawn from various professional background and stature, including but not limited to Political, Medical/Health Workers, Engineers, Pilot, Accountants, Teachers, Security Officers, Business men and women, Farmers, other civil servants, self employed and community leaders,

The Chairman St. Charles Lwanga’s College Kalongo – Alumni, Mr. Opio Raphael Apiyo welcomed everybody to this auspicious occasion, in particular; the Invited guests, members of the Board of Governors and the Parents Teachers Association, Headteacher, Executive members of the Alumni, the Alumni, well-wishers and Students. He thanked all who participated in the prayers and appeared for the meeting. He spelt out the main theme of the meeting as “Alumni united to develop St. Charles Lwanga’s College – Kalongo”. He further said that the main aim of this meeting is first and foremost to know each other and ultimately appreciate the challenges affecting the school and forge development initiatives to tackle them. He lauded them for taking time to be in person and help chart a way of supporting the school as a key stakeholder.

He said that on many occasions, meetings have been called, unfortunately, very few turned up making it impossible to come out with any workable plans. But the few members did not give up, he lauded them for heeding to the call, particularly, Mr. Otema Amolo Robert, Mr. Denis Kizito Odok, Mr. Odong Richard Oweka, Flight Lt. Yoyeka Alfred and Mr. Obonyo Alex, and this made it possible to organize this meeting. He also appreciated a former student Prisca Auma Ojok, who resides and works in Italy for her generous contribution of 300,000 Ug. shillings only and one bag of Rice. He appealed to other former students who are in various positions of responsibility to emulate such good gestures. He appealed for more tangible support for the various needs the school is currently experiencing.

He said that the political leaders were invited to this meeting, unfortunately they failed to turn up, and this is disappointing. Even so, attempts will always be made to bring all the stakeholders together, so that the school can develop to the glory so desired.

The Chairman then reminded the audience of their interim status as executive committee, possibly a situation that will last until the next general meeting that shall be held at a future agreed time by the members and new elections held to get substantive leadership.

Flight. Lt. Yoyeka Alfred a former student who is currently working in the UPDF as a Pilot, appreciated so much the opportunity to be in this meeting. This school has produced many students who are now holding different capacities in many different places. He re-iterated that it is very important that one does not forget his/her roots; you should love where you come from, in this case our school, he said. He compared what other old students do for their schools which is amazing. He therefore, implored upon the old students of St. Charles Lwanga’s College -Kalongo to do likewise. He appreciated the turnup as good, this being the first time and hoped for better representation next time as there shall be many activities over the period. He recommended subsequent meetings to be held in the school to have a better understanding and physical visualization of the school situation. He also asked colleagues to inform others who have not had opportunity or knowledge of what is going on. He encouraged teachers to continue instilling discipline among students as it forms the corner stone of a child’s development. He contributed 200,000 Uganda Shillings ash towards the development of the school.

Mr. Kizito Denis Odok, a former student, Treasurer Alumni and a Certified Accountant managing a private business in the tourism sector right in Kalongo; Green Oasis a Tourist Guest House, emphasised cooperation as the bedrock for development. He said that stakeholders come together to support the school. He urged that benchmarking can help the administration to find better ways of managing similar challenges affecting them. He noted that enrolling failures from primary seven will not help prop the standard of St. Charles Lwanga’s College and therefore, there is need to put in place strategies to attract pupils with better grades and enrol them to our school. Lastly, he pledged to provide 100,000 shillings toward the development of the school.

The headteacher Beatrice Olivia Amiri saluted all in attendance as well as the organisers for this first successful meeting of the old students. Members had tasked her to provide the current enrolment and status of the school.

Firstly, she then began by stating the level of enrolment in the school. The school has a total of 149 students and S.4 students were 48 and S.6 students were 59. This leaves the school with only 42 students for S.1, S.2, S.3, and S.5.

She hastened to add that, she was tipped by an official from the ministry who cautioned the school on the consequence of failure in improving enrolment. The official advised that the school should struggle to raise the enrolment to at least 280 students next year, otherwise the school will loose out on government support, and this is a very serious issue. What should we do now?  She lamented. You find that in most cases students who come to our school are last resorts who are not taken by other schools.

She recommended all stakeholders to participate in improving enrolment; as teachers of Primary Schools, Parents, old students and all well-wishers of the school. She urged for cooperation from people holding positions of authority to be fair to the teachers and the administration

Secondly, members were informed that the USE funds from government have reduced from 32 million Uganda shilling to 9million Uganda shillings in the last term, and this greatly affected the smooth running of the school. To make it worse, many of the students do not pay the little fees contribution required of them, parents equally fail on their Job to provide the necessary requirements to their children.                                                                                                 

Thirdly, the school infrastructure is in a dilapidated state; the Headteachers office, the Assembly/Examination Hall whose roof is falling apart to near condemnation by the ministry who have forewarned that failure to work on it may cost the school to be denied centre for examination.

Fourthly, most of the furniture are broken beyond repair, few have been repaired but they are not sufficient. The school does not have enough desks and 40% of the beds are broken. In case of increase in enrolment, there won’t be enough beds. There is need for printers, computers and many other equipment that are essential for the student’s education especially in ICT. The school has only 4 computers. She appealed to the old students to donate where possible.

Fifthly, the only way of seeing the school develop is to ensure that the teachers are well motivated. They need to be accommodated in the school so that they can be able to supervise the learners. She reported that she started a project of converting some classrooms into teachers houses so that it accommodates at least four of them, however, shortage of funding has stalled the project.

The school has a large compound which becomes bushy very fast and the area is infested with snakes, slashing is very expensive, if the alumni can donate a loan mower and fuel, it could be very helpful.

As far as the capacity to teach is concerned, the school has well qualified teachers, some with diplomas while others have degrees and masters and therefore, there is no any major problem with the qualification of the teachers and their capacity to teach.

She further averred that she came committed to work but has encountered one serious stumbling block and that is the issue of land, and the matter is before court but is very costly and depletes resources very fast.

Food is often not enough in spite of the school having land, the school does farm but, the neighbours encroaching on the land release their animals to graze on the school farm and this even makes it worse. The local leaders too have not been helpful with some taking sides with the land grabbers and threatening the teachers, thus posing a security threat. Some of the politicians even go as far as discouraging parents to bring their children to our School.

The school lost two big projects from world bank; for a Library fully stocked and a computer laboratory fully equipped. Basically, the issue of land which is not titled and partisan politics of the political and local leaders, contributed to the loss of these projects. Some politicians are backing and funding these landgrabbers against the school.

It is absurd that a high-ranking Political leader who is also an old student of the school openly says she will not support the school because she has her nemeses in the school. This kind of attitude cannot take the school anywhere. She appealed to the community to come out in support of resolving the school land question, they know the boundaries and should take up the cause.

She encouraged the alumni to take up one project at a time, she appreciated so much the lighting of the boy’s dormitories and appealed to them to complete the lighting of the girl’s dormitories and security lights as was initially envisaged. She appreciated and appealed to the old students to choose whatever they can support that is possible for them to undertake.

Mr. Obol Mathew, a well-wisher who is also Treasurer PACMECS Sacco and Councillor LC V representing Lapono subcounty in Agago District, decried the low enrolment and suggested that the onus lies on all of us to make sure that of school does have the numbers of students. He urged that each one of the members present in this meeting would bring at least two or so students, this would improve enrolment. He recommended that the school stake holders such as the alumni, BoG, PTA and local leaders carry out community engagements, Radio talk shows, targeted mobilisation, visiting Primary Schools in a bid to convince parents and pupils to choose St. Charles Lwanga’s College as their school of choice. There is need to convince them that our school is more affordable and there is possibility to talk to the administration compared to other schools that are far away and can only give you stress. He also recommended bursaries for the best pupils with first grade and the parents only pay for requirements.

As for the land grabbers, the people of Kalongo know the boarder and they should rise up and support the school against them He said that these people take advantage if we keep quiet, he encouraged that we engage them without fear. He also castigated bad politics that fights development in the school and this must stop. Being a politician is temporary but the school will remain for our children and grandchildren and we should not bring our political differences to the school.

He promised to personally work towards getting a couple of pupils enrol to the school. He pledged 100,000 shillings towards supporting the school development.

Mr. Olworo Too Knox Labongo a former student who is currently the Chief Finance Officer of Lamwo district also commented about enrolment which is reportedly very low. He urged members to do the best for the school. As alumni we need to go to the radio stations and the schools and support the best performers to our school. He said as alumni they will not accept any politician working towards failing the school, and that they will act against such a politician come the next election if the allegations are true.

He further said that the alumni are many and can be able to support the school in its project priorities, and therefore recommended that the importance of acquiring quality products for example the chairs with the wooden seat and back rest with metallic frames as opposed to plastic chairs that may be damaged within a short time.

He proposed that every year they can do a project as shall be agreed. He cited an example of Comboni College where the alumni resolved that each one of them contributes towards the renovation of their previous dormitory. In one particular case, just one person alone was able to gave 100 million uganda shillings. He then assured members that this can be done.  He further went ahead to request the alumni should organise and interface with the Diocesan Education Office to lobby support for projects as he got assurance that they are willing to support whenever approached. He equally appreciated the alumni for turning up for this meeting and said we can achieve whatever we intend to achieve.

Mr. Okello Alfredo the Vice Chairman Board of Governors appreciated members. If we want the school to be well nourished, all the stake holders in their different capacities bring forth their agenda and this shall be triangulated so as to come out with more productive ways of supporting the school. The head teacher by default is the main consumer of all the issues that will come from the various stakeholders; the BoG, PTA, Alumni and other axillary and interest bodies. As per issues of land, he said ‘’you may realise that i am at the sharp end’’, he said.  He further went on to assure the Alumni that the board is working on the land question, letters have been written some have gone out and others are still pending. As for other issues the board hopes to receive the alumni report of their meeting as well as others. The board appreciates all the support the alumni has given to the school and hopes this will continue into the future.

Mr. Odoch Simon Ojok a former student and currently a District Agricultural Officer and Chairman Board of Directors of PACMECS Sacco. He said enrolment is affected because there is something wrong, he said that during their time, students were coming from various places as far as Teso and Karamoja subregions, many did not understand the local language, but what brought them? He asked. There was a bait that attracted them to this school, probably now, it is not there. He said that we need to acknowledge that at some point there were few professional teachers and this was a reality. Tomorrow the numbers might decline further from 149 to even less. If you consider that now we have 59 students in S6 and 41 in Senior 4 this means the number is even much lower to 41 only and this is a great point of concern.

We need to get all the data of those who have studied in this school, he urged members to contribute generously at least a minimum amount of 5000 Uganda shillings to support the school as the need for money now is critical. He reminisced what he was taught in primary about “Primary Health Care” which was that “The people of a specific area identify the health problem affecting them and congregate together to find a solution and solve it on their own without external intervention” this he said should be the same strategy we should employ. According to him, he said that the school has many more serious problems affecting it and definitely the chairs is not the most urgent as the head teacher has said. The school infrastructure is very old and is not appealing to students. He said we have engineers among the alumni who can do a bill of quantity as fast as possible so that members are aware of the cost and they contribute expeditiously.

The school should categorize the students into classes of fast learners and slow learners so that the performance of the students can improve and good results are realised. This cannot be done overnight, lets strive to increase the numbers to 200 or more, then gradually this would increase. There is need to be close to the school he said. During their time, career guidance was done by university students who from time to time came from Makerere University “the hill”, as it was popularly known, and this was a big motivating factor to them.

He also thanked one of the elder, Mr. Ocan Alfred who was the LC II Chairman of Kalongo Town popularly known as the “Mayor”. He has been a very influential and important person who supported the school extensively during his time in leadership and still supporting the school to date as an elder.

The head teacher was asked to specifically identify the urgent needs so that the alumni take it up as their first project. According to the headteacher, the priority was changed to renovating the assembly/examination hall whose roof has been eaten by termites and the Ministry of education and Sports had warned that the school would loose its examination centre if this is not worked on. Also, the painting of the hall can follow after the renovation and two other classrooms after completion.

The priority was then changed to renovating the assembly/examination hall renovation and two classrooms followed by painting.

She informed the Alumni that, she lobbied the bank for assistance and have agreed to fund the replacement of window shutters in the boy’s dormitories and have agreed to fix all the doors and windows of the laboratory

Mr. Ocan Alfred and another elder Mr. Owot Quinto who was also once a board Chairman, applauded the alumni for accepting to take up a project to address one of the most urgent of the needs of the school. On the other hand, Mr. Johnson Komakech a former student who is an Electric Technician also reminded the alumni that the there is still pending works from the previous projects of lighting the dormitories. He said the boys’ dormitories were completed but what was not yet done was the girls’ dormitories and security lights in the compound. He lamented that the boys’ dormitories still need some minor repairs to safeguard against snakes and other vermin from injuring the students. He urged members to focus on a workable project that is affordable within a specific time frame. The members acknowledged that not everything can be done at once, but the priority as presented by the headteacher takes precedence.

Mr. Oyet Bosco a former student who is currently a self-employed civil engineer, decried the foundation body as having a weakness in managing its role especially appointments of board members, and that this is affecting almost all the church founded institutions of the parish. He noted that they are all facing similar challenges in governance. There are some members who are holding several positions in more than one board.  He castigated some teachers who are reluctant and urged them to pull up their socks. He noted that some political leaders that are elected by the community are not vetted properly prior to voting them to power, and sometimes we end up crying; but we “reap what we sow”, and this to a large extent deters development.   

Mr.  Ojik Anjelo a former student who currently works as a Laboratory Technician at Dr. Ambrosoli Memorial Hospital, urged the school administration to be innovative if the school is to remain competitive. He averred that the institutions under the church foundation are limping because of the same persons holding leadership positions in many of these institutions at the same time, and this breeds ineffectiveness. He noted that some teachers are failing on their job, as they are not very serious with the education of the learners, he noted that up to 9.00am, you find some teachers walking leisurely to the school from town, this he said must stop if we want positive change. He further said that the alumni should create a research desk for fact finding and solution seeking. This he said can go a long way in identifying challenges and getting solutions to address any emerging challenge.

Mr Abolomo Francis a former student who is currently working as an Agriculture Officer managing in the Agoro irrigation project in Lamwo district, also suggested that the alumni meet regularly, at least once every term as this would allow implementation and assessment of the activities through the period. He also urged members to contribute positively whenever called upon, and lastly, he proposed that motivational speakers as well as guest lecturers be engaged as this can help in the career guidance of our students.

Mr. Oyite Ojok a teacher of the school, welcomed the suggestions and insights from the alumni; he pledged their commitment as teachers to ensure that the necessary improvements that ought to be done, are implemented. He agreed that enrolment has declined over the years because of several factors not necessarily because of absence of teaching. It is several years now that the intake of the school is always composed of pupils who score 2nd grade and below. No primary seven first graders have been enrolled in recent times, as they are taken away by other schools, but yet, the teachers do their best and every year the school gets at least a first grade at O. Level. This can only be achieved by the concerted efforts of the teachers and their good level of teaching. He also noted that some challenges that impede performance do exist, such as lack of a Library and a computer laboratory, nevertheless, the science labs are fairly okay. He suggested enrolling day scholars as a means to improve enrolment. The school could allow cash equivalent as an alternative means to bringing food in kind for those who may have difficulty in carrying the physical foodstuff. Lastly, he pleaded to all alumni, teachers and every stakeholder to endeavour to bring at least one child to St. Charles Lwanga’s College and/or be a goodwill ambassador to advocate for school.

Mr. Oyo Paul who is a deputy headteacher of St. Charles Lwanga’s College informed the audience that the school is currently offering bursary to about 16 children as another way of boosting enrolment and performance; and these are drawn from the best performers in class and those who excel in games and sports. He further suggested that, as a way of improving governance in the school, it would be preferable to have PTA members and those holding other governance positions in the school to be appointed from among those with children in school. Such persons are likely to take the school issues more seriously as opposed to those not having any direct interest, and they would tend to be closer to the school for the benefit of their children. The other issue that he said ought to be considered, is that board members be drawn from nearby places so that they can attend meetings and don’t miss as is common with those coming from far.

Mr. Olukowode Justine who is also a teacher at the school, also reiterated the need to improve enrolment. He appealed to members to lead by example, in his case, most of his children study in this school. As a matter of fact, he is the teacher with the greatest number of dependants studying in the school. And this is also because he is a product of this same school that has made him what he is today. He persuaded others to do the same.

Mr. Olukuwode also added his voice on the challenges the school is currently facing, especially the land issues. Regrettably, some of the former head teachers are not doing enough to support the school, instead they are working against the school. He castigated some leaders who side with the land grabbers and leak out information for the benefit of the land grabbers instead of supporting the school authorities to save the land.

He noted the lack of visibility and thus recommended that the school advertise aggressively. This he said, can be done by visiting primary schools to talk to the pupils and the administration about our school. He pointed out a missed opportunity in the last couple of years when the school performed very well in A. level coming out the best in the sub-region. Unless the school embarks on intensive advocacy and mobilisation, it would be difficult to improve enrolment.

Mr. Komakech Johnson suggested that our two leaders His lordship Chief Justice Alphonse Owiny Dollo Cigamoy and Ambassador Dr. Olara Otunu of ROCO PACCO initiative, should be invited to the school to seek support in addressing the many challenges affecting the school. He said this would then pave the way to ultimately meet the President to lobby for the support to the school.

Members noted that the board is handling the land issues and the matter is before court, and therefore, to discuss it may contravene the sub judice rule. The school to continue to pursue the case to its logical conclusion.

In conclusion, the Chairman Mr. Opio Raphael Apiyo appreciated members for their participation, and said the time for this meeting is well spent even if it appears to have stretched beyond the anticipated time.  He sincerely thanked those who came from outside Kalongo, from Kitgum, Lamwo, Patongo, Lapono and other places. He said that no organisation can prosper without meetings, and therefore urged members to always turn up for meetings whenever called upon. He said that though it appears as if only people of Kalongo are at the forefront, it is because the few members come from within Kalongo and this makes it easier for them to turn up for the meeting. He said he has always strived to invite all the executives, some few do come, but the majority don’t turn up. He appreciated particularly Mr Otema Amolo Robert, Mr. Odok Denis Kizito, Flight Lt.  Yoyeka Alfred and Mr. Obonyo Alex who assisted very much by providing space for our meetings. He also appreciated others who supported in one way or another to make this meeting a success.

The Chairman emphasized the importance of accountability, he said Alumni collected money which was then used to implement the activities agreed upon, starting with; 1) Lighting the Boys dormitory, 2) then lighting the girls’ dormitory and 3) the Security lights in the compound. He reminded members that the money raised was able to complete only lighting the boy’s dormitories. and accountability was shared with the alumni. Appreciation letter from the authorities of the school was also shared with the members. Members should continue with contribution to complete the remaining projects. Termly meetings of alumni shall be held, the executive shall schedule a day, and he implored all to attend. The executive shall also schedule annual general meeting for election of substantial executive committee and election of the representative to the next board. He appreciated the contributions members made for this occasion. He castigated those who are negative about the alumni executive, but asked to rather make positive criticisms that can improve the activities of the alumni, and ultimately support the development of the school. As for the political leaders mentioned in the meeting, they shall be invited for a discussion on those issues as well as other school development matters.

He then wished everybody a safe journey back to their respective destinations.

In conclusion, the meeting of the alumni resolved key issues, among them; to hold annual general meeting on St. Charles Lwangas’ day, the meetings agenda shall include election of substantial executive committee of the alumni as well as the representative to the next board of the school. They also resolved to hold termly alumni meetings on the dates that shall be agreed upon. All these meetings shall take place in the school.

The alumni also resolved to take up the project of renovating the roof of the school hall and two class rooms which will then be painted with the support from PACMECS Sacco as pronounced by their board Chairman Mr. Odoch Simon Ojok. Old students who are engineers headed by Mr. Oyet Bosco shall do assessment on the buildings to be renovated in order to come with the bill of quantity (BOQ) as soon as possible

In order to boost hygiene in communication and information circulating from our leaders towards the school, the alumni resolved to summon, through its Interim Executive Committee, Hon. Minister Akello Beatrice Akori and Hon. Okot John Amos for a discussion on resolving such matters, and forging ways to support the development of the school. 

Alumni agreed to contribute at least 5000/= annually to undertake towards the above-mentioned project. The following cash and pledges contributions were then received; -Mr. Kizito Odok 200,000/= (pledge), Lt. Yoyeka Alfred 200,000/= (cash), Mr. Obol Mathew 100,000/= (pledge), Mr. Otema Robert Amolo 100,000/=(pledge), Mr. Oryema Michael 20,000/=(cash), Mr. Otada Tom 10,000/= (cash) and 50,000/= (pledge), Mr. Odoch Simon 200,000/=(pledge) and PACMECS Sacco through its Chairman Odoch Simon pledged to do all the painting after the renovation of the roof of the hall and the two classrooms is completed.

And lastly, alumni to immediately start public campaign to market the school, and this is to be done through radio talk shows, community engagements, visiting Primary Schools to talk about St. Charles Lwanga’s College and other initiatives aimed at improving the image and likeability of the school as a centre of attraction towards increasing enrolment.