Katakwi, Uganda: The administration of Mangoro Comprehensive Secondary School has confirmed that six female students became pregnant during the third term, raising fresh concerns about child protection, supervision, and the security environment surrounding the school.
Headteacher Emmanuel Ichila made the revelation during the school’s fourth Annual General Meeting held on December 2, 2025, at the school premises in Mangoro Town Council. He attributed the spike in schoolgirl pregnancies to the absence of a boarding section, lack of a perimeter fence, and long distances students travel between school and home.
A report presented at the AGM indicated that all six girls were day scholars, two in Senior Three, one in Senior Two and three in Senior One. Ichila further disclosed that earlier in the year, a senior student gave birth during the examination period, noting that the school guided her on the importance of continuing education despite her young motherhood.
The headteacher appealed to political leaders, NGOs, and well-wishers to support the school in constructing a fence, describing it as critical for student safety.
Achievements and Future Prospects
Mr Ichila also outlined the school’s 2025 achievements, including the construction of a boys’ dormitory, staff houses up to shuttering level, a headteacher’s house, and the revival of A’ Level studies. He urged the district education office to recruit at least 10 additional teachers to meet staffing requirements and improve the student–teacher ratio.
He added that the school plans to prioritize fencing next year, having already moulded 450 fencing poles, alongside establishing a girls’ dormitory and other development initiatives.
Board of Governors Chairperson Carolly Loke Okello said the management has already drawn a work plan for 2026 to enhance service delivery and accountability. He criticised past management for failing to account for government grants totaling UGX 43 million annually, despite low enrollment of 150 students.
Okello noted that under the current administration, student enrollment has grown to 360, yet the government grant has dropped to UGX 12 million, making it insufficient for school operations. He urged parents to actively support their children’s education and pay fees on time.
PTA Chairperson William Obukor praised the headteacher for improving performance and stability. He discouraged parents from transferring their children to distant schools, arguing that Mangoro can equally produce strong academic results.
Obukor encouraged parents to continue paying fees promptly and to contribute a bag of cement to support ongoing school construction.
Parents Simon Noel Omanyo and Grace Asio appreciated the administration, BOG, and PTA for their good governance, saying it has restored confidence in the school. Another parent, Simon Adiama, urged fellow guardians to pay attention to their children’s welfare in light of increasing cases of rape, killings, and kidnaps targeting school-going children.
Mangoro Subcounty LC3 Chairperson Alfred Arul called on parents to prioritise education as the foundation of their children’s development. He appealed to the community to report any cases of child abuse and to remain vigilant during the festive season when incidents of theft and livestock raids tend to increase.
District Councillor Teddy Aanyu also encouraged timely payment of school fees through the designated code system and urged parents to take a more active role in safeguarding their children during holidays.
NRM Katakwi District Admin Joseph Okiror, who represented Vice President and Woman MP Rt. Maj Jessica Alupo reaffirmed Alupo’s commitment to ensuring the school is fenced next year. Guest speaker and Toroma County NRM flag bearer Solomon Osiya, represented by Katakwi NRM Chairperson John, emphasised good parenting, guidance, and investment in education as key pillars for the growth of Katakwi and the Teso sub-region.
Established in 1996 alongside a teaching school, now relocated to Soroti, Mangoro Comprehensive Secondary School continues to serve as one of the oldest learning institutions in the area.
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