By Patrick Okino
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is investing more than Sh1 billion to construct classroom blocks, staff accommodation and sanitation facilities at Acaba Secondary School in Oyam Town Council, Oyam District.
The project, being implemented by Akol Holding Ltd, includes eight classroom blocks, a twin staff house, four-stance toilet facilities for boys and girls, and a two-stance toilet for teaching staff.
The construction has reached the roofing stage, with the contractor expected to complete and hand over the facilities in November 2026.
Acaba Secondary School Headteacher, Saimon Okeng, said UNICEF selected the school after a survey identified a critical need for infrastructure.
“Through normal vetting, they realised that the total population of students in this school needed support because we had the highest number in the district and therefore they gave us heavy investment here,” Okeng said.
Okeng was speaking during the commissioning of a new dormitory at the school, which has a capacity to accommodate 250 students. The new building was commissioned by Vicar General of Lira Diocese Valente Innocent Opio on behalf of the Bishop, Sanctus Lino Wanok.
He said the additional infrastructure would help address the school’s growing population and improve the learning environment.
He also added that the new facilities would end the practice of some students attending lessons under trees due to inadequate classroom space.
“They also entrusted Acaba because our performance is very good and we have been doing so wonderful in the previous Advanced Level results. The school was ranked among the best government schools,” Okeng said.
Okeng said the school expects improved learning outcomes following completion of the project.
Peter Okodo, Executive Director of Akol Holding Ltd, commended the school for providing quality and affordable education to communities in the area.
Okodo, who is also director of Jerusalem School of Nursing and Midwifery and a former Kioga North parliamentary contestant, urged students to study hard and focus on building a brighter future.
He said Jerusalem School of Nursing and Midwifery started with only 30 students, who paid Sh400,000 in tuition, but has since grown to 1,400 students.
Okodo said Akol Holding Ltd is committed to completing the Acaba Secondary School project on schedule.
He said the company would install terrazzo flooring, wall tiles and special ceiling boards to improve the quality and appearance of the facilities before handover.
The investment is expected to ease congestion, improve sanitation and provide a better learning environment for students and teachers at the school.
Valente Innocent Opio, described Acaba SS under Okeng’s leadership as a family where students and staff pray, interact and eat together.
He said the students have demonstrated a high level of discipline and have not caused trouble despite the school not being fenced
