AMOLATAR, UGANDA – Amolatar Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Francis Okello Odoki Rwotlonyo has urged residents to reject propaganda and identity politics, warning that divisive politics could undermine service delivery and delay development in the district.
Rwotlonyo’s remarks come amid growing public frustration over the stalled construction of Arwotcek Seed Secondary School, whose exclusion from the funding cycle has sparked anger among residents and local leaders.
Addressing residents, the RDC said the matter had already been raised in Parliament and that the central government had responded, insisting that the community should allow the relevant government institutions to handle the issue.
“Politics of identity and propaganda will not help the people of Amolatar District,” Rwotlonyo said, calling on residents and leaders to embrace unity, dialogue and cooperation instead of engaging in divisive political arguments.
The RDC’s comments follow recent parliamentary proceedings in which Kioga North MP Geoffrey Ocen raised concerns over Arwotcek Seed Secondary School’s exclusion from the Uganda Secondary Education Expansion Project (USEIP) after the school’s classroom block had been demolished in preparation for construction.
In response, State Minister for Education Peter Ogwang apologised over the school’s exclusion, explaining that the project had initially targeted 116 schools, but limited funding could only accommodate 90 institutions, leaving Arwotcek among 26 schools requiring additional financing.
Ogwang pledged that the government would prioritise the construction of Arwotcek Seed Secondary School in the next financial year.
Rwotlonyo cited the minister’s parliamentary response as evidence that the government was aware of the community’s concerns and that the matter was being addressed through the appropriate channels.
The controversy surrounding the school centres on allegations that Shs600 million under the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers (UGIFT) programme, which had initially been designated for Arwotcek Seed Secondary School, was redirected to Ajikdak Seed Secondary School.
Residents claim they demolished the school’s only usable classroom block in anticipation of its inclusion in the USEIP programme, only for the institution to be dropped from the project.
The development has triggered anger among community members, some of whom have threatened to block government officials from accessing the school site until construction funds are secured.
Residents have also demanded explanations from former LC5 Chairperson and current Kioga North MP Geoffrey Ocen, former District Education Officer Josephine Asen Okulu, former Chief Administrative Officer Samuel Paul and former Deputy RDC Liawala.
The community has further sought accountability from current RDC Rwotlonyo and Chief Administrative Officer Rhoda Oroma over the circumstances surrounding the school’s exclusion and the alleged redirection of funds.
Beyond the school controversy, Rwotlonyo reiterated his position that leadership should be treated as a sacred responsibility rather than a personal privilege, urging public officials to serve with humility, integrity and commitment.
He called for closer cooperation between residents, political leaders and technical officials, saying collective effort was necessary to achieve the district’s development priorities.
With the government expected to consider Arwotcek Seed Secondary School for funding in the next financial year, residents will be watching closely to see whether the minister’s commitment translates into actual construction work.
For now, the RDC is appealing for calm and constructive engagement as the community awaits the government’s next move on the long-standing school project.
