Lira, Uganda | Anai Primary School in Lira City is set to present 50 candidates for the 2025 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), including two children with disabilities, in what education stakeholders have hailed as a strong demonstration of inclusive learning and community commitment to equal opportunity.
The candidates consist of 25 boys and 25 girls, reflecting gender parity and the school’s effort to promote balanced access to education.
Headteacher Joel Rokko Ojok urged parents to remain supportive and avoid spreading distressing rumours that could disrupt the emotional stability of the candidates.
He said the timely payment of school fees by parents had enabled the school to operate smoothly and adequately prepare pupils for national examinations.
Joel Olipa, Chairperson of the Lango Headteachers’ Association, blamed poor academic performance in some schools on conflicts within foundation bodies.
He said divisions rooted in religious affiliations had resulted in the rejection of government-posted teachers, affecting staff deployment and educational standards.
Olipa appealed to management committees and parents to set aside institutional differences and focus on strengthening education across the region.
Delivering his sermon, Fr. Isaac Ojok of Anai Catholic Parish described education as the backbone of national transformation.
He condemned cultural practices that prioritise early marriage for girls in exchange for dowry, warning that such beliefs hinder development.
He called on parents to keep their daughters in school, saying the future of the region depends on educated citizens.
Lira City West Division Secretary for Health and Education, Denish Adyebo, encouraged residents to enrol their children in local government-aided schools, which he said offer quality education and are accessible to all social groups.
Representing Lira City authorities, Adyebo commended teachers for returning to work following recent industrial action and pledged continued advocacy for better salaries and improved working conditions.
The inclusion of pupils with disabilities among the PLE candidates has been widely welcomed as a progressive step in advancing inclusive education.
Community leaders have praised Anai Primary School for providing equal learning opportunities and setting an example for other institutions in the Lango Subregion.
Education stakeholders say this year’s candidate group reflects a unified effort to improve academic performance, promote gender equality, and support learners with special needs as part of a broader goal to transform education standards in northern Uganda.
Lango Prime