By Mike Rwothomio
Zombo, Uganda: The administration of St. Aloysius College Nyapea in West Nile’s Zombo District has received a major boost in practical skilling after Lions Aid Norway, through Lions Clubs International District 104B Norway and local partner Spice of Life Uganda, launched a modern apiary and horticulture demonstration project valued at over UGX 342 million.
The project, implemented with support from the Lions Club of Nyapea, comprising mainly old boys of the college, targets more than 520 learners, 38 staff, and over 5,000 community members in Mission Centre Village, Oyeyo Parish, Nyapea Sub-county.
Headteacher Brother Paul Nantinda said the intervention has given the school the practical skilling infrastructure it has long lacked. “This project will not only enhance our curriculum but provide learners with skills they can use to earn a living. We are lucky to receive such high-impact donor investment, the only school in Zombo with this kind of hands-on facility,” he said.
The project is part of a four-year phased plan that has so far completed site clearance, drilling of a production borehole, installation of solar-powered drip irrigation, greenhouse establishment, and open-field farming. The commissioning of a commercial apiary marks the beginning of Phase II.
Lions Club of Nyapea President Edward Jawiambe said the project aims to build a strong student beekeeping club. “We want learners to gain practical skills in sustainable agriculture that can uplift their livelihoods and transform the community,” he noted.
Country Director of Spice of Life Uganda, David Mutayisa, said the project is a model for climate-smart and income-generating agriculture. “This apiary is a powerful example of how sustainable farming can improve food security and household incomes,” he said.
Technical partner, The Avail Group, announced that value addition will be a key component. “We’re looking beyond honey to bee venom, wax, propolis and other high-value outputs,” Executive Director Joseph Male confirmed.
Students expressed excitement about the opportunity to learn commercial agriculture.
Senior Five learner Greenfield Pirwoth said: “I want to start my own beekeeping business and support my education. This project is life-changing.”
In the last one year, Lions Aid Norway has drilled five community boreholes valued at UGX 125 million and provided Nyapea Girls Primary School with 50 desks and an eight-stance VIP latrine as part of gender-responsive WASH initiatives.
With total investment surpassing UGX 500 million, the Nyapea project is expected to become a community training hub for livelihood development and resilience across Zombo District.
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