Okwang,a rural vocational school in Otuke pledged by president M7 now making shoes, Commisioner Isaac Opio Opeo says its a green light on socio-economic transformation

By Frank G. Oyugi

Who ever knew that the political gospel of socio- economic transformation,the promotion of science, technology and innovation preached by Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for decades would come to fruition?

Well, as you read this story,it is now a reality and in this Article,we are taking you to Okwang- a remote village in Otuke district where president Museveni is equally a resident.

Otuke district is situated in the East of Lango sub-region,much as it is known for the prestigious and delicious shear nut oil ( moo Yao) touted as the best in Eastern and Central Africa,it should never be forgotten that Otuke is among the districts in Northern Uganda that suffered from the brutal brut of the Lords Resistance Army - LRA civil war let alone the constant disturbance by neighbouring Karamojong cattle keepers.

Just like one of Africa's top writers and motivational speaker Chimamanza Angocie Adichie warned us against the danger of a single story,the narrative in Otuke district is fast going through a positive educational and economic metamorphosis -thanks to a well- intended and deliberate transformative political decisions of president Museveni and his appointees.

A classical example to prove this is the establishment of Okwang Vocational school located in Okwang sub- county and a neighbour to the presidential state lodge in Bar- Alegi

While traversing the country to canvas for votes in 2010-2011,president Museveni pledged to the community of Otuke that he would establish a vocational school in Okwang,and in the financial year 2015-2016,Mr Museveni released funds that saw the commencement of Okwang Vocational school.

It should however be noted that the normal operation of the institute was interrupted by the COVID 19- Pandemic and could only open in 2021 according to the principal Robert Okello.

Okwang Vocational students are making belts and shoes

Every time one hears about a vocational or technical school,what comes to mind is timbers,bricks and nails etc,but just as you might be shocked,Okwang SS students have beaten the odds and make no mistake-that  shoes you and that belt you are wearing might not be from China but made from Otuke and to be specific Okwang Vocational school.

The principal and commissioner Opio Opeo display shoes made by students of Okwang

This came to the lime light on Friday 8th November 2024 during a function to usher in a new students prefectoral body of Okwang Vocational School which was presided over by the Assistant Resident District Commisioner Isaac Opio Opeo on the delegation by his senior and supervisor George Abdul.

Commisioner Isaac Opio Opeo Lauds the school authorities 

In his coherent and a powerfully delivered speech to students and the adminstration of Okwang Vocational shool ,commisioner Opio commended them for embracing the opportunity given by HE: The president of the Republic of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who Pledged ,actualised his pledge and commited resources to build the school which he noted has impacted positively in skilling the youth.

Commisioner  Opio Opeo inspects a workshop at Okwang vocational school 

According to Commisioner Opio,president Museveni in his wisdom allocated resources to build technical Institutes all over the country as a way of skiling young people with readily employable skills to relive the country of job seekers and to reduce on the unemployment rate.

He further observed that technical education is a productive venture that shouldn't be underated and encouraged parents to ensure their children are skilled.

Principal speaks on challenges

Just like Roses have thorns,all is not merry at Okwang Vocational as Robert Okello,the principal shared on this particular occasion.According to Mr.Okello the school is currently grappling with some challenges which include financial constraints.

Foristance Okello says of the shillings 3.5 billion pledged by the President,only five Hundred and seventy five million (570m) shillings was  released adding that the deficit would be helpful in erecting modern structures at the institute.

But all is not dark and gloom,the principal on the other hand reported good a cademic performance and said the institute has ever excelled in exams since 2022 with 62% out of the total candidates who sat that year and emerged number three in the  whole country in 2023 with a score of 91%.

In response to the challengs reported by the Principal commissioner Opeo pleged to convey it to his immediate supervisor George Abdul who will intern inform the office of the president.

Opio the peace builder

A respected Israeli comedian Billy Crystal once said "it is better to build bridges not walls among people" and this is exactly what Commisioner Opio did on Friday at the same function.

To bring you to speed Commisioner Opeo brokered peace and reconciliation between the principal Robert Okello and his bursa John Kennedy Merry who for long wouldn't see eye to eye- but this time they hugged and shook hands.

Commisioner Opeo then underscored the importance of team work and a cordial working relationship in an education setting saying it is a prerequisite to good and excellent academic performance.

He didn't stop there, he also  requested religious leaders to pray and cast out the demons of hatred and divisionism among the school authorities,parents and the community members surrounding the school.

Commisioner Opeo promised to always act as a unifying factor in resolving conflicts whenever he is still a leader and said his boss President Museveni has demonstrated that "we gain strength by embracing unity in diversity"which explains why he runs an iclusive goverment with oppostion leaders like Nobert Mao serving as ministers.

On his part,Paul Ojok Okello the Chairman Board Okwang Vocational and technical school applauded the students for being disciplined and advised the new leaders to instill discipline and maintain good behaviours at the school

He also requested the local council and the parents to avoid fights and intrigue due to miss understanding among the staff that can interfear with the working environment.

What to know about Okwang Vocational and Technical school

The Institute started normal operation in 2022 with an enrolment of 32 students and by 2024 the enrolment catapulted to 126 students distributed across all the academic disciplines they have chosen.

Okwang Technical institute is currently offering six (6) National certificate courses namely:, national certificate in Woodwork, Automobile Mechanic, Certificates in shoe making and leather production, Agriculture and Production, certificates in building constructions, fashion and designs.

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