Acaba Secondary School Officially Granted Boarding Status After Inspection

7 October 2026, 1:26 pm

By Eman Yonah Oruk

Acaba Secondary School in Oyam District has reached a historic milestone after being officially granted a permit to operate as a boarding institution.

The authorization, issued on 5th October 2026, followed a thorough inspection by school inspectors and health officials. The inspection confirmed that the school meets all requirements under the Physical Planning Act, the Building Control Act, and Local Government Regulations in Uganda. The Ministry of Education and Sports has therefore cleared the premises for educational use, including boarding, under strict conditions of occupation.

These conditions require that the facilities be used solely for accommodating learners, that compliance with public health and sanitation laws be maintained, that structures remain sound, and that regular inspections be conducted by Oyam Town Council. Any violation could result in revocation of the permit.

During dedication prayers for candidates, attended by parents, guardians, students, and stakeholders, Board Chairperson Father Peter Paul Okuta read the inspection letter and emphasized that Acaba has been officially cleared to operate as a boarding school. He urged the community to disregard claims suggesting that students should revert to day schooling or rent houses near the school.

Headteacher Simon Peter Okeng expressed gratitude, noting that the school has registered its highest number of candidates this year, 373 in Senior Four and 179 in Senior Six. He explained that although Acaba had previously operated boarding facilities informally, it has now successfully formalized its status after repeated reminders from district authorities.

Father Moses Pascal Omara, Parish Priest of Anyeke Catholic Parish and Dean of Aber Deanery in Lira Diocese, encouraged students in his sermon to embrace this new chapter in their academic journey. Drawing inspiration from the Book of Isaiah, he urged them to forget past failures and insults, and instead focus on building a brighter future.

LC5 Councillor Conny Atoo Ogwang, representing Oyam Town, praised parents for constructing a large dormitory and commended the headteacher for following due process. She affirmed that the next academic year will begin with Acaba Secondary School fully recognized as a boarding institution, marking a significant milestone in the school’s development and a new era for education in Oyam District.