LIRA CITY, UGANDA: Clan leaders in Lango are facing mounting pressure over the low uptake of education bursaries offered by the Lango Cultural Institution, raising concerns about missed opportunities for youth empowerment in the sub-region.
The concern was raised during a meeting at the Lango Cultural Centre, where the institution’s Minister for Education and Sports and 4th Deputy Prime Minister, George Ojwang Opota, criticised what he described as persistent underutilisation of the bursary scheme.
“The Paramount Chief, Eng. Dr Michael Moses Odongo Okune has, for long, provided bursaries for our children to study in higher institutions,” Ojwang said. “Yet most clans have not taken advantage of this golden opportunity.”
He warned that failure to utilise the programme undermines efforts to drive socio-economic transformation across Lango.
Several clan leaders acknowledged weaknesses in awareness and mobilisation at the grassroots.
Mzee R.S Tego, Awitong of Atek-Okweromac, admitted that many families remain unaware of the opportunity. “We have not done enough to sensitise our people. Many families do not know their children can benefit from these bursaries,” he said.
Charles Ogang, Awitong of Arak Orukori, pointed to communication breakdowns. “Information has not reached the last mile. It is not enough to announce—we must ensure every household understands and responds,” he noted.
Former Lands Minister and elder Mzee Dickens Olak delivered a blunt assessment, describing the situation as a leadership failure. “If we fail to educate our children when support is available, we are failing the future of Lango,” he said.
Premier Ojwang warned that the institution will begin tracking participation levels among clans to enforce accountability. “We will monitor which clans are actively participating. Those lagging behind risk undermining the vision of the Paramount Chief,” he said.
He urged leaders to prioritise education as a driver of long-term development and ensure eligible children are enrolled.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment from clan leaders to intensify community mobilisation and improve awareness of the bursary scheme.
However, observers say the coming months will be critical in determining whether the pledges translate into action.
With significant funds invested annually in the programme, stakeholders warn that continued low uptake could deny many young people access to higher education and slow development in the region.
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