Friday 27 September 2024

BOOKLET: The Bernard Onyango Academic Excellence (ACE) awards 2014

 FROM THE ARCHIVES: The Bernard Onyango Academic Excellence (ACE) awards 2014







Rest in Peace Ona


Ever smiling Onapito (right) and wife Cathy at a TC Fundraising dinner in Kampala in June

ONAPITO Ekomoloit was my OB and fellow veteran journalist. I got in touch with him early on September 1, 2024, confident that since he was Nile Breweries Limited's Board Chairman, I would secure a beer sponsorship for an upcoming Family fun day out. The Fun day is being organized by my sub-Parish St Angela Bugema, part of Lweza Parish, to raise funds to complete our local church.(FUN DAY Dec 8

Ona responded promptly and provided me with a contact at Nile Breweries to send my proposal.

When I nudged him again on September 7 to inquire about progress, Ona revealed that he was ill and out of office. Board chairmen are usually overwhelmed by requests for financial help, so I wondered if he might be dodging me. Still, I wished him a speedy recovery.

Then, on September 9, two days after I nudged him again, he responded with an emoji of women dancing 💃💃, which I thought was a sign that his health was improving. I even joked about the need for him to go to the gym, so that he can compete in the 'wife carrying competition' on the family fun day scheduled for December 8.

It now turns out his health was at a worse stage than we all knew. He did not improve. It is sad there was no indication anything was out of control. 

I now see he last read his messages yesterday Thursday about 15 hours Uganda time. SAD! He was alive 24 hours ago, and is now gone. LIFE!

On Friday, I noticed that, "suspicious" messages started pouring in on WhatsApp. Typically, that is an indicator that something out of the ordinary has happened, but you may not know who or what, unless you read the message.

So for about one hour I avoided reading WhatsApp messages. 

When I finally dared to peep into one, it read, “Ona is gone!” Ona dead? Ona who was so full of life only three months back? Oh dear!!





At St. Peter's College Tororo, also known as TC, Ona joined in 1987 in S5, a class behind me. I sat A levels (LEG) in March 1988, making it easily to Makerere University with a B in Literature. The following year, Ona hammered the papers with AAC in HEL and after a long debate between taking Law and Mass Comm (journalism), Onapito went for what he saw as his calling. He writes in detail about this in his book "Tears & Triumph".

He was at one point asked, "Do you have to go to university to become a journalist?" by a family friend trying to convince him out of doing Mass Communications (aka journalism) at Makerere. 

He went on to become one of the greatest journalists of our time. His impact in the media industry is undeniable – a prolific writer; a journalism lecturer at Makerere University; a successful presidential press secretary and a highly accomplished corporate affairs professional. 

Ona and I were among the more active members of SPECTOBA, the old Boys association of St Peter's Tororo college. He was the de-facto number two to Wilbrod Owor (former Guild President Makerere) for a while. 

Ona headed the Bernard Onyango Academic Excellence Awards 

Ona frequently related to me how he and I sparked the start of the well-known Bernard Onyango Academic Excellence Awards in about the year 2013. 

There had been a long discussion on the proposal, and after a protracted back-and-forth by the Old Boys, the crunch time came to show "seriousness". There was a long silence until I dared put the first million into the fund to start the fundraising to enable the organization of the first awards. 

Ona followed and put in the second million, and thereafter, many others joined in. He did end up rightly as chair of the BOACE awards committee. (click to read a copy of the 2014 awards booklet)

Last year at the TC Football League at Nakawa, he gave me an autographed copy of his book, “Tears and Triumph” and he wrote, "LJ, thank you for your motivational works of journalism." He indicated that a 2nd edition or follow up book was coming in which he would narrate the Bernard Onyango awards history. 

In February I was also among the lucky few who attended his lovely wedding to Cathy (a Makerere Mass Com contemporary of my wife Nnalongo Lydia Mirembe), at the shores of the lake.  I recall Ona singing, and showing love like never before.

Ona handled nearly everyone who interacted with him with much respect and humility. Reminds me in many ways of my uncle, Professor Charles Lwanga Olweny, first director of the Uganda Cancer Institute from 1972 until 1982.  Before Ona, Olweny, also a TC Ob,  trail blazed as one of the first Ugandan Board chairs of not only NBL, but also UBL, in the 70s.

Ona, like uncle, would often be frank, masking it with a smile.

ONAPITO was a good human. May God Almighty bless his soul, and LET HIM REST IN PEACE. May God give peace to his family too. Bye Bye.


'Our girls' Tororo Girls crew at a TC fundraiser. Ona's Cathy (is 3rd right)

*****

LINK TO RELATED STORIES (click on them to read)

🔴 Onapito 1966-2024  https://www.independent.co.ug/%f0%9f%94%b4-breaking-news-onapito-ekomoloit-april-1966-september-2024/ 

🔴 HARRY SAGARA on Ona 

🔴 Chief Justice Owiny Dollo kick-starts Tororo College OBs sh3.1 billion drive

🔴 Keynote address May 30th 2014 at Bernard Onyango Memorial



VIDEO: NILE BREWERIES TRIBUTE TO RETIRING ONA


ONAPITO STANDS TALL AS NYANGOLIANS INVADE TG EVENT


Friday 20 September 2024

Bugema Sub Parish plans December 8 fete



  • Put this in your DIARY. Holiday and Pre-Christmas event December 8 at school field opposite Wankulukuku stadium
  • Fun events will include tug of war, car reverse parking, golf and even a wife-carrying competition!
  • Fundraising event to complete building the St Angela Sub Parish, Lweza church
LOOK AT THE SUB-PARISH WEBSITE >>> 
https://saintangellabugema.wordpress.com/


LOOK AT THEIR MUGAGGA BBC YOUTUBE CHANNEL>>>>

🔵 ST MUGAGGA KABONDO YOUTUBE 📽📽

  • Click image below for a better view




Thursday 19 September 2024

Will "Tororo Issues" decide the election results in West and East Budama come 2026?

Current and former MPs from Tororo


BELOW are the results of the last election ahead of what is likely to be contentious elections 2026, with the future of Tororo at stake. SOURCE VISIBLE POLLS.ORG (click to read)

Tororo, Uganda | Remarks by President Yoweri Museveni last week on what was an ordinary visit, could turn out to be decisive in the 2026 elections in the mineral-rich district.

President Yoweri Museveni, among other things, admonished 'Badaama' and Iteso, alleging that each do not want the other to speak their language. 

He had a point, but by dwelling on the least of the worries of the residents of Tororo, he reignited fears that the President might not be sensitive enough to matters that have stagnated Tororo's development politically and economically for two decades. 

"The issue of friction between the Iteso and Badaama is puzzling. Why would a Mudaama have a problem with an Iteso speaking his own dialect and vice versa?" asked Museveni.

The quest for districts and a city status have divided residents of Tororo and manifested itself in many areas of the lives of the residents.

Key to the conflict is demand by residents of Tororo county for a separate district, alleging marginalization by the Jopadhola ethnicity group.

However, a look at the district chairs over the past 30 years shows leaders have previously come from Busia, Bunyole, Bugwere, even an Atesot. This would contradict the allegation of Jopadhola marginalising others.

There is is also no empirical evidence that one group prevents the other from speaking their language. "This is a figment of the creation of some self- seekers, mostly politicians who ride on ethnicity to seek votes," an expert on Tororo matters said.

"What is the situation like in present day Tororo District. Look at population of the various peoples in Tororo District. Naturally the larger the number, the higher the amount of influence in matters but this should not be to the prejudice of the peoples with lesser numbers! " 

Okoth Nyalulu, a long time former RDC and now on the Council of Elders of The Adhola Cultural Institution (TACI) weighed in by saying,  "Many people, and without fear of contradiction, even the President, have not understood what is contentious in the 'Tororo question'. The question is not a mere location of the Municipality or Jopadhola against Iteso per se."

"It is a question of Rights. Through the history of migration, the Jopadhola have Heritage and Aboriginal Rights over the whole Tororo. Tororo was acquired and secured through pouring blood by our ancestors, and it became a Heritage for the Jopadhola," Nyalulu explained to LJ Files.



On the quest for a city, Nyalulu remarked, "Is there a demand for a City in Tororo and the answer is Yes. Tororo Municipality, and even the Town before it was the third most industrialized in Uganda and it is a gate way to Uganda by road and potentially by air," elder Nyalulu remarked recently."

He went to add that "Tororo Municipality was one of the eleven Municipalities that implemented the program of Uganda Support for the Municipal Infrastructure Development, (USMID). All the other ten have been elevated to City status except Tororo."

As the debate raged in the past week on social media, Kampala lawyer Charles Owor concluded that, "Badaama or Jopadhola, whatever you call us... Let us pursue how best to exploit the resources for everyone's benefit, whether you arrived and settled in yesterday or were there a long time ago! We share a common destiny and strive to pursue common goals!"

The Deputy Prime Minster (Deputy Jago) of TACI, Jag Adrian Owor jumped into the debate, worried that there is a misunderstanding about the issues in Tororo.

"I find the use of Teso in many comments about Tororo disturbing. Whereas there are Iteso living in Tororo district there is no Teso in Tororo. People should make a distinction between Iteso (the people) and Teso (a subregion which starts from Bukedea district to Katakwi)."

The issue of Tororo county taking over the historical headquarters of the Jopadhola plus the Tororo Rock has created unease for decades. In 2019, current Uganda Defence Minister Oboth Oboth raised it to a religious level, saying Tororo town was 'our Jerusalem' in parliament in 2019. 

A team had earlier been sent to London to try resolve the impasse, by looking at old maps, but it came to naught.

Oboth argued in parliament that, "what took us to London archives was not about boundaries but the historicity of ethnic settlements in Tororo. The boundary dispute is between who and who? East Budaama and West Budaama, Jopadhola and  Iteso live together. Both sides are mixed through inter-marriages."

History Prof Pontian Okoth was more categorical.

"There is no fight between the Iteso and Japs, they have existed with each other for a long time and now genetically entangled, so the fighting was brought to divert the thinking. The Iteso in Tororo never came from Soroti but instead from Kenya as you can see in the map and have never had issues with the Japs."

Status of Tororo district Constituencies

Ahead of 2026 decider! Tororo issues  

 

Data compiled by Louis Jadwong Polls 2026 Ltd

(source VISIBLE POLLS.org)

 

NAME

INCUMBENT

Others

 

 

 

Tororo Municipality Constituency

Apollo Yeri Ofwono

National Resistance Movement

 

5,169 votes

Okware Edward

4,564 votes

Raganyi Ibrahim Yusuf

1,174 votes

Olweny Charles

1,034 votes

Emojong Deogratius

686 votes

Ayeyo Silvanus

182 votes

Othieno Romanus

78 votes

Ochwo Godfrey

67 votes

Kaikede Olowo John Stephen

36 votes

 

West Budama Central Constituency

 

Oboth Marksons Jacob

National Resistance Movement

Candidate (MP).

 

12,084 votes

 

Okoth Geoffrey Oita

7,610

Oturo Jesse Eridad

468 vote

Kirya Moses Isiko

376 votes

Onno Zachariah

167 votes

Oluka John Paul

103 votes

Laaro Peter Ayeka

50 votes

Oketch Ojiek Lazzarus

0 votes

 

West Budama South Constituency

 

Otiam Emmanuel Otaala

National Resistance Movement

 

13,648 votes

 

Owor Franklin

4,603 votes

Akika Emmanuel Othieno

3,527 votes

Katandi Joseph

739 votes

Ongawi Kennedy

386 votes

Oguti Albert Mathias

75 votes

 

West Budama North Constituency

 

Ochai Maximus

National Resistance Movement

 

10,981 votes

Othieno Okoth Richard

9,856

Owori John Paul

1,584 votes

Okello Peter Jabweli

784 votes

Alira David Pechokisika Opii

278 votes

Akichere Gloria Oburu

175 votes

Okongo Leo

85 votes

Aluki George

24 votes and lost the election

 

West Budama North East Constituency

 

 

Odoi Oywelowo Fox

National Resistance Movement

 

11,398

 

Ogandi Denis Peter

  7,171 votes

Nyero Vincent

  1,572 votes

Osinde Owor Okongo Jimmy

1,051 votes

Kayala Micky

176 votes

Osinde Benard

  100 votes

Tororo North Constituency

 

Ekanya Geofrey

Forum for Democratic Change

 

   9,674 votes

 

Nyakecho Annet

9,563 votes

Othieno Godfrey

5,834 votes

Ekileut James Peter

201 votes

Obbo Johnson

Independent

131 votes

Otabong Charles Jonjo

122 votes

Kalani Isaac

51 votes

 

Tororo women MP position

 

Achieng Sarah Opendi

Candidate for Women Representative (MP) - Tororo

National Resistance Movement candidate.

 

76,662 votes

 

Ayo Jancita

Independent

69,011 votes

 

Abbo Rose Mary Owere

7,398

Ojaka Diana

2,991 votes

Abwin Sarah Emojong

1,290 votes

 Clamor for district

The clamor for districts in Uganda started in the 80s, and saw one of the then biggest districts in the country Tororo (once also called Budama and was part of Bukedi) reduced to a shell. 

Residents of of Tororo county demanded a district that included Tororo town, and a man in Molo subcounty ate a live rat in front of President Museveni in 2005 to demonstrate their desire.

Elders of Padhola had no issue with a district being offered to those of Tororo country, but said it should not be linked to having Tororo town, now municipality, as their capital. They advised a new capital be named from their area.

It is important to note that President Yoweri Museveni soon after in 2006 granted the new district with the headquarters to be located in Mukuju. The Iteso rejected the headquarters in Mukuju claiming Tororo town was their land.

The Jopadhola were enraged as they insist Tororo is their land and headquarters, and cannot just be given out like that.

President Yoweri Museveni also directed that the matter be resolved using the “colonial boundaries” in order to determine where the municipality should be located in the event of a split of the district.

At that point, Professor Oloka Onyango spoke out .

The Makerere University don argued against this in 2017, saying that, " Where a new district has been created, the towns/municipalities have remained the headquarters of the old “mother” district. All the new districts have established new headquarters. This has created a precedent followed without exception. "

" I appeal to the good sense of every citizen of Tororo specifically and Uganda in general to emerge from this narrow, sectarian and selfishly-motivated politicking. Has the creation of 78 new districts since 1995 really improved service-delivery at the local government level?," Onyango argued in a 2017 presentation.

Expert insist that if the main contention is not so much as the creation of these would be ethnic based district, but the location of Tororo Municipality; then against the precedent mentioned by Prof. Oloka Onyango, elevate it to city status and then no one has ethnically based claim to it and it becomes another district with no ethnic connotation. Lately, even smaller towns have become cities!


A map of West and East Budama that
originally formed Tororo district
Origins of Tororo district

Bukedi District was a subdivision of the Eastern Province of the Uganda Protectorate, with headquarters in Mbale. In the early 1920s Bukedi was divided into the Budama, Bugisu and Bugwere districts. 

These were recombined into Mbale District during World War II (1939–1945), then split in 1954 into a new, smaller Bukedi District to the west and Bugisu District to the east, sharing Mbale Township as their administrative headquarters. In 1968 the administrative headquarters of Bukedi District were moved to Tororo. Later Bukedi District was split up into a number of smaller districts.

In all these arrangements, Bugwere and Bugisu were separated again, and Bugwere was again combined with Budama to create Bukedi District. The district contained the counties of Pallisa, Budaka-Bugwere, Bunyole, West Budama, Tororo, and Samia-Bugwe.

All these have in the 80s and 90s broken off, leaving a shell of Tororo.

Tororo historically comprised West and Eastern Budama, according the Prof Pontian Okoth who has written a book on the history of Padhola from 1500.

According to Prof Okoth, at some point, the colonial state was thrown into confusion by the state of disunity among Jopadhola clans and between the Jopadhola and the Iteso community based in Tororo.

The Nyapolo Ogule clan which was the dominant clan and predominantly catholic wanted to rule Padhola. This could not be allowed by the other clans, most of which were Protestants. They had many of their children who had obtained formal education, they also had the support of the colonial state.

The Iteso wanted a special status because of their numbers that had arrived from Kenya . 

The Jopadhola could not allow this kind of development noting Budama was their land.  

Jopadhola elders always argued that this would result in ethnically based administrative units which would fail to take cognizance of the history and aboriginal claims of the Japs. 

The colonial state had nevertheless decided in 1938, to divide Budama County into East and West making two County headquarter for easy administration. 

West Budama remained with the original headquarter at Kisoko while East Budama had its headquarter at Mukuju. Both headquarters were equidistant (6 miles) from the Main Post office at Tororo. Both religions and inter-clan conflicts were serious problems in Padhola.

Tororo, being a key railway and road link to Kenya and the rest of the country, was still the third most powerful industrial town in Uganda by the time NRM came to power in 1986.

The rest of the people in Tororo preferred that instead of Tororo being part of the new district being demanded for, it becomes a city to serve all.

Kwar Adhola's stand

Kwar Adhola Moses Stephen Owor, 98, is the King and cultural head of the Jopadhola. He has been consistent on stating that Tororo welcomes visitors for the sake of harmony. Indeed Tororo was at one time referred to as the "United Nations of Uganda" because of many tribes living peacefully together.

Kwara has previously had face to face discussions with both the late Emorimor Papa Osubani and the current one Emoloit and gave them the message; unity of purpose, even with diversity in cultures.

That has been his stand even in meetings with President Yoweri Museveni, where he has actually stated that the Jopadhola have no problem being to referred to, as they rightly should, as Badaama.That was the source of the names West Budama and East Budama.

Deputy Katikkiro of Buganda Ssendaula (left)  delivers a message from
 The Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Mutebi to
 King of the Jopadhola, the Kwar Adhola Moses Owor. 
 The Adhola Kingdom Prime Minister Josel Obbo is middle.
This was at the Adha Adhola funeral rites in Tororo in 2017

He explained that the name Wadama originated from a mis presentation of the word "widoma" in Dhopadhola meaning you will see or you have seen my strength or might. When enemies heard the Jopadhola warriors chanting this they thought that was the name of the people fighting them. Hence Wadama instead of widoma.

However Prof Pontian Okoth is not having any of it.

"There is no need for unnecessary confusion. What is wrong with calling ourselves Jopadhola? We should always remember that we are descendants of Adhola. That is the original history 'widoma' 'wadama' ' Badama',etc,true but these were later concoctions. Let us, therefore, return to our roots, I suggest, without insinuating that the debate ends."

******

RELATED STORIES

King of the Jopadhola Moses Owor says Tororo for all, calls for unity (click to read)

https://www.independent.co.ug/king-jopadhola-moses-owor-says-tororo-calls-unity/

An abridged history of Padhola, 1500 - 1999

https://www.independent.co.ug/an-abridged-history-of-padhola-1500-1999/

Jopadhola emboldened by Luo elders’ visit, says Adhola king

https://www.independent.co.ug/jopadhola-emboldened-by-luo-elders-visit-says-adhola-king/

Colonial boundaries no solution to Tororo District split controversy

https://www.independent.co.ug/colonial-boundaries-no-solution-tororo-district-split-controversy/

Video

Tuesday 13 August 2024

Eight instances in life where staying silent is the best thing to do

Know when to keep silent


BY Mark Olweny-Omalla

In life, the moments we choose to stay silent often speak louder than any words we could utter. Silence, when used wisely, can be a powerful tool for handling various situations effectively. Whether it’s cooling down during an argument, listening more intently, or deciding not to engage in gossip, knowing when to hold your tongue can change the outcome of many scenarios for the better. 

In this article, I explore eight specific instances where silence isn’t just golden, but is advantageous. It  allows you to navigate your life with more wisdom and grace.

1. When you’re angry

We’ve all been here. Caught in the heat of an argument, emotions are high and everyone’s on the defensive. It’s in these instances that staying silent can be  most beneficial. When we’re angry, we tend to say things we don’t mean and later regret. It’s a knee-jerk reaction to protect ourselves and our ego.

But, is it really worth it?

Choosing to hold your tongue can prevent a lot of unnecessary heartache and damage. It allows you to gather your thoughts, calm your emotions, and respond in a more controlled manner once the storm has passed. And it’s not just me saying this, in fact, many wise people have expressed similar views that everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves. So next time you’re fuming, remember silence may just be the best response.

2. When you’re unsure

Confession time! I hav been guilty before of trying to sound knowledgeable about a topic I knew little about. But guess what? It backfired. I was in a meeting discussing the movements of the Luo. Wanting to impress, I jumped in with my thoughts, only to realise they were unfounded and wrong. The room went silent and it was painfully clear that I had no clue about what I was talking about. Silence would’ve been golden, before I made my views heard, in that instance. If you’re unsure about something or lack the necessary information, it’s okay to stay quiet. It gives you the chance to listen, learn, and gather the information needed to form an educated opinion. As the old saying goes, “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt that you are actually a fool”.  


3. When you’re listening

Listening is an art that not everyone has mastered. In my journey as a mindfulness enthusiast, I have learned that listening truly to someone, can make a huge difference. It’s when we are silent and attentive that we are able to comprehend and understand what the other person is saying. It shows respect and allows for effective communication. It is about being present, but letting the other person speak, without planning your response or interrupting with your own story. 

4. When criticism isn’t constructive

Criticism is a tricky area. When it is constructive, it can lead to growth and improvement.  But when it is plain negative, it can be damaging and unproductive. We are more likely to remember and react to negative experiences than positive ones. This means that negative criticism can stick with us and affect our self-esteem and performance. So, what should you do when you’re faced with unconstructive criticism? Stay silent. Responding to negative criticism often just fuels the fire and wastes your energy. Instead, choose not to engage. Take a moment to reflect on whether there’s any truth to the criticism. If there isn’t, let it slide. How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours. So, choose silence as your reaction to unconstructive criticism.

5. When your silence can speak volumes

Here’s a twist. Sometimes, staying silent is the loudest statement you can make. Sounds paradoxical, right? There are moments when you are expected to react, to defend yourself, to argue back. But what if you don’t? What if you choose silence instead? In those instances, your silence can be a powerful tool. It can communicate your disapproval, your boundaries, or your refusal to engage in negativity.

6. When someone else is taking credit for your work

It’s a tough situation to be in. You have worked hard on a project or function, only for someone else to swoop in and take the credit. It is natural to want to stand up and shout about your involvement. But, is that the best course of action?  Does calling them out publicly benefit you or does it make you look petty? Is there a way to handle it privately? Often, staying silent at the moment and addressing the situation later can be more beneficial. This protects your professional image, and reduces workplace drama.

7. When you are processing grief or loss

Grief is a heavy burden to bear. When loss hits, it can feel like a tidal wave of emotions that leaves you gasping for air.

People often feel the need to fill the silence with words of comfort, condolences, or even well-meaning advice.

But sometimes, all you need is SILENCE. It allows you to process your emotions, to reflect, and to just be with your feelings. It Is okay not to have any words to say. It is okay not to be okay. And it’s more than okay to seek silence and solitude when you are navigating the rough waters of grief.

8. When you’re tempted to gossip

We all know how enticing a juicy piece of gossip can be. It’s like a siren’s song, luring us into sharing it with others. But here’s the thing, gossip breeds negativity. It can harm relationships, damage reputations, and create a toxic environment. When the temptation to gossip strikes, staying silent can be your best bet. It shows your integrity and prevents unnecessary drama. Abstaining from gossip also helps in fostering a positive and trustworthy image for yourself among your peers. After all, if you don’t spread gossip about others, they are more likely to trust that you won’t spread it about them either.

 Reflecting on the power of silence.

Understanding when to remain silent can significantly enhance the quality of both our interactions and our internal peace. The above eight scenarios underscore the diverse benefits of choosing silence - from avoiding unnecessary conflicts and fostering deeper understanding to preserving personal dignity and strengthening emotional resilience.

Silence is not about inaction; rather, it’s a strategic choice that can lead to more thoughtful and impactful actions. By recognizing the power of silence in these instances, we equip ourselves with a subtle yet strong tool to enhance our relationships and personal well-being.

Remember, sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is nothing at all.

******

Mark Olweny-Omalla,  Koch Clan Leader.

e-mail: markolweny_omalla@yahoo.com

Wednesday 7 August 2024

The development of Dhopadhola


Among the approved O-level subjects examined by 
the National Examinal Board is 
dhopadhola 

By Gabriel Obbo-Katandi

Padhola through the leadership of His Highness Kwar Adhola has embraced the government's White Paper of 1992, that introduces policies that aim to eradicate literacy and emphasizes teaching nursery and lower primary pupils, in a language they are familiar with - preferablily their mother language.

The  main emphasis of the  curriculum developed then was the development of learners' skill in numeracy, literary and  life skills. All these were thought better done in a language that the learners are familiar with. In case of Jopadhola children in Padhola, this was dhopadhola

To meet the  requirements of the  Ministry of the  Education and Sport then, Kwar Adhola and The Adhola Cultural Institution (TACI) introduced a ministry of  Dhopadhola Development and a language  Board.

The Dhopadhola Language  Board developed dhopadhola authography which was accepted by  Ministry  of Education and Sport after the  approval process by National Curriculum Development Centre in Kyambogo.  

The  completion of this stage enabled the official acceptance of the dhopadhola language to be used as medium of  instruction in nursery and  lower primary (P-3)  in all dhopadhola  speaking areas  

That stage also allowed Dhopadhola to be taught in Padhola as a subject. 

Dhopadhola is  now asubject from Primary 4 though to Primary 7. The development of Dhopadhola Authography has enabled it  to be taught as one of the elective subjects at lower secondary  education in  Uganda. 

At O-level, among the National Curriculum approved subjects is dhopadhola and indeed at the National Examinal Board, and we have had several candidates at the level in the past few years. 

Makerere University the school of linguistics offers dhopadhola as one the  languages of study among the Luo languages.  We now have candidates who are taking Dhopadhola as a language of study for Doctorate of philosophy PhD.  

These achievements have  come with a number of challenges.

At the district of Tororo headquarters,  where the  Language Board  for  Dhopadhola is supposed to operate from, there has been very little support realised.

Despite  the existance of authograph  many people have not adopted it's use.  This is common even among those who attempt to write dhopadhola books

Archbishop Obbo hands Museveni a bible
Although the churches  (Christians) have the Holy Bible
in dhopadhola, they need to have a deliberate effort to help their
 institutions to use correct dhopadhola in spoken and written from


Many people speak very poor dhopadhola. These may be common because schools for over 50 years have not put much interest in ensuring proper dhopadhola is spoken and written. The  situation of dhopadhola at family and community is  probabily even worse.

Because of lack of resources, not many activities have occured to develop dhopadhola beyond the approval process and the use of dhopadhola in educational institutions. 

Although the churches  (Christians) have the Holy Bible in dhopadhola, they need to have a deliberate effort to help their institutions to use correct dhopadhola in spoken and written from.

Probabily you and me  are waiting for occasion when the Tieng Adhola  Cultural Institution will fully adopt and adopt to the use of dhopadhola since it is the institutions official language.

Use of Dhopadhola in school was also done with inadequate preparations for  teachers. Therefore Dhopadhola as a subject does not have firm custodians in the educational institutions. 

We badly need  resources to support the growth of correct dhopadhola among  our people.

It is a strong hope that with help of the new radio station, the coming television together with increased activities among the Jopadhola,  we shall over come some of these challege.

With  the help of God Almighty and adequate seriousness from all the  people of Padhola, we always hope for the best.

****


Hon. Gabriel Obbo-Katandi is Minister for Dhopadhola Development Tieng Adhola Cultural Institution.

This article was written for the 25th Coronation Anniversary magazine