AMOLATAR, UGANDA – In a move aimed at fostering peace and national cohesion, the Office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Amolatar has announced plans to host a prayer breakfast on March 26, 2026, bringing together bishops, religious leaders, political figures, and community stakeholders to promote reconciliation and healing in the wake of the recent general elections.
Amolatar RDC, Mr. Francis Okello Odoki Rwotlonyo, made the remark during a press briefing held at his office on Thursday, March 5, where he praised residents for their overwhelming support for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who secured 89.9% of the vote in the district during the recently concluded January 2026 polls.
“The elections were well conducted without any problems,” Rwotlonyo stated. “I thank the people of Amolatar for demonstrating maturity, peace, and unwavering support for government programs.”
The RDC extended congratulations to the newly elected Members of Parliament, the incoming Local Council V (LCV) chairperson, district councillors, LCIII chairpersons, and parish councillors. He emphasized the need for swift transition and urged leaders to begin preparations for the upcoming Local Council I (LC1) elections, scheduled for March and April 2026.
“These grassroots leaders are the foundation of our governance system. Let us ensure their elections are peaceful, fair, and reflective of the people’s will,” Rwotlonyo said.
Education Success Marred by Malpractice Scandals
In a mixed report on education outcomes, Rwotlonyo commended students, parents, and schools for commendable performance in the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) and Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE). He expressed optimism ahead of the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) results, scheduled for release on Friday, March 6, 2026.
However, warns over widespread examination malpractice. According to the RDC, the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) withheld results for 59 primary school candidates from various schools across the district following confirmed cases of cheating.
“These learners were summoned by UNEB to acknowledge wrongdoing and seek forgiveness as part of disciplinary procedures,” Rwotlonyo revealed. “This is not just about scores, it’s about integrity.”
He directed the District Education Officer (DEO) and local police to investigate the implicated schools to unearth the root causes of the malpractice. Rwotlonyo also highlighted Namasale Seed Secondary School, where UCE results were reportedly withheld, leaving students unable to access critical academic records.
The Amolatar RDC also disclosed that investigations have uncovered forged appointment letters among several headteachers and education officials in the district.
Rwotlonyo revealed that some teachers fraudulently promoted themselves to positions such as deputy headteacher without meeting the mandatory three years of experience.
He named those implicated:
- Okello Denish Rolex, Headteacher, Amio Rwot Primary School, currently on the run and allegedly absconded with UPE funds.
Okello Jimmy, Former Headteacher, Agwingiri Primary School, reportedly never appeared before UNEB and has since disappeared. - Atala Caroline, Headteacher, Aburkidi Primary School.
- Ogweng Richard, Headteacher, Muntu Township Primary School.
“I have directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to cancel all fraudulent appointment letters,” Rwotlonyo declared. “Forgery is a criminal offence, and I have instructed the police to open investigations. Justice will take its course.”
On a positive note, Rwotlonyo lauded the Presidential Skilling Hub in Lira City for transforming the lives of youth from Amolatar District, many of whom are now gainfully employed in urban centers, particularly in Lira.
He announced that 22 new training slots have been advertised for this year’s intake, with the application deadline set for Friday, 6th March 2026.
“We are not focusing so much on academic qualifications this time,” he emphasized. “Even a learner who sat the PLE and can read and write qualifies. This is about empowerment, not elitism.”
However, he expressed concern that, out of the many applicants, only ten currently possess National Identification Cards, a mandatory requirement for enrollment. He urged parents and guardians to prioritize legal documentation for their children.
In a cautionary note, the RDC warned against attempts by “certain religious actors” to undermine or sabotage government development initiatives.
“We respect all faiths, but we will not allow anyone to use religion as a cover to disrupt peace or hinder progress,” Rwotlonyo said. “Unity, collaboration, and support for the NRM government’s development agenda must remain our priority.”
He called on residents to continue backing national programs and maintaining peace as Amolatar strides toward sustainable development.
The upcoming prayer breakfast on March 26 is expected to be a key moment for spiritual reflection and communal healing. Rwotlonyo described it as an opportunity to “heal divisions, strengthen unity, and pray for the continued prosperity of Amolatar and Uganda.”
As the district moves forward from elections and confronts challenges in education and governance, one message resonates clearly from the RDC’s office: accountability, reform, and unity must guide the path ahead.
