Gulu City, Uganda: Sir Samuel Baker Senior Secondary School, once the pride of Northern Uganda and a symbol of academic excellence, is confronting one of the darkest chapters in its 70-year history after a staggering Shs3.9 billion meant for school renovation was returned to the national treasury not once, not twice, but three times.
The school, established between 1948 and 1953 through community philanthropy and officially opened by British Governor Andrew Cohen, now stands as a painful reminder of how administrative failure and bureaucratic confusion can destroy public institutions.
Once home to over 1,500 students in the early 2000s, Sir Samuel Baker today struggles to retain just 150–180 learners, losing the education battle to modern, aggressive private schools.
Head teacher Nathan Mandeni admits the institution is reeling from years of neglect. He confirmed that the assessment for refurbishment was done long before he took office, and many of the school’s buildings, including classrooms and the library, are in ruins.
“We need to care about the legacy of Sir Samuel Baker School and restore its dignity,” Mandeni said. “Returning Shs3.9 billion to the treasury instead of renovating our structures has cost us precious time and eroded our reputation.”
Mandeni says hopes are now pinned on the upcoming government U-LEARN program, expected to begin next year, which could finally give the school a much-needed facelift and help it compete with private schools that continue to attract students.
How did Shs3.9Bn get lost in transit?
Local Government Minister Raphael Magyezi confirmed that the funds were incorrectly wired to Gulu District Local Government instead of Gulu City, leading to mandatory reversals back to the treasury. He insists the money “was never lost,” but acknowledges the procedural mess has delayed critical upgrades.
“This is not a matter of fault,” Magyezi said. “The funds must be sent to the right entity. The process is clear, the accounting officers should work with the Ministry of Finance to retrieve the money.”
Oling Innocent, chairperson of the Sir Samuel Baker Old Boys Association, says alumni have been tracking the situation for years. He says the money can now only be accessed through parliamentary intervention.
“We want to renovate the speak house that burned in 2018 while waiting for the Shs3.9 billion to fix the rest. The school cannot compete with private institutions in its current state,” Innocent said.
Old Boys have been asked to bring at least three new students each to boost enrolment and rebuild the school’s once-formidable population.
City and District Authorities Trade Blame
Gulu City Mayor Alfred Okwonga says the city has tracked the funds since 2021, only to learn that the district did not forward the money. He assures that investigations are ongoing.
“We must recover this money and put it to use. The school deserves modern facilities — it’s a shame it is left to deteriorate,” Okwonga said.
But Gulu District Chairperson Opiyo Ateke says the blame lies with the city, arguing that Gulu District managed the area before Gulu City was created in 2021.
“The city did not have its own vote, so funds reverted,” he said. He also warned that corruption at the school level might undermine any future government support unless administrators prioritize integrity.
Teachers, Students Cry Out
Teachers at the school say morale is at an all-time low, worsened by inadequate salaries and a Shs250 million debt crippling operations. “We need motivation,” teacher Onen Emmanuel said. “Without support, the standards will continue to fall and Baker’s glory will vanish forever.”
Uganda National Students Association (UNSA) president, Okello Michael Wisdom, pointed to dark classrooms without electricity, a tiny outdated library, and broken desks and dormitory doors tied with wires as signs of a collapsed learning environment.
“We need a new library and safer facilities,” Okello appealed.
During the recent Pongdwong meeting, leaders identified Sir Samuel Baker SSS among several traditional schools in Northern Uganda requiring urgent rescue, alongside St. Joseph’s College Layibi, Sacred Heart Girls, Gulu High, Kitgum High, and Y.Y. Memorial Girls.
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