Joseph Ojatum, the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) Minister for Tourism, honored his commitment by delivering support to top-performing pupils at Opeta Lake View Primary School and Apeero Primary School.
The pledge was, initially announced during the recent Ecomai Festival tour in Katakwi.
According to Ojaatum, this underscores the ICU’s dedication to enhancing learning opportunities for children in these communities.
Ojatum who visited both schools early this week to present educational support packages to the best-performing pupils in Primary Six and Primary Seven said, the carefully selected beneficiaries were previously announced during the widely attended Ecomai Festival, a flagship cultural event organized by the ICU earlier this year.
“I promised to recognize and reward academic excellence among our young learners,” Minister Ojatum stated during his visits.
“I am pleased to deliver on that promise today, and I hope this encourages continued effort and pride in their studies, alongside modest financial stipends aimed at alleviating some of the outfits and learning resource costs pupils often face.”
Ojatum further announced plans to extend assistance to pupils from low-income families.
The initiative will include ongoing material and financial support to ensure that economic challenges do not hinder their educational journey.
“Our investment in tourism goes hand-in-hand with investing in education,” the Minister asserted.
“By supporting these children, we are building the foundation for future leaders who appreciate both education and our rich cultural heritage.”
He urged pupils to take education seriously as a critical foundation for success, and to simultaneously preserve their cultural identity.
“Embrace your studies; cherish your culture and let both guide your future,” he emphasized.
Simon Onapatum, the area council representative for Opeta Parish and Secretary for Education, expressed profound appreciation for the Minister’s commitment.
“His visit has opened up new opportunities for both learners and teachers,” Onapatum reflected.
“Many challenges are being addressed, this is a positive step forward.”
He added that while the current support does not reach all pupils, it represents a meaningful first step with the potential to grow significantly.
A First of Its Kind for Apeero At Apeero Primary School, Robert Emuron, the headteacher with over a decade of service, spoke passionately about the significance of Hon. Ojatum’s visit.
“In my 10-plus years as headteacher, I have never witnessed this level of support from a cabinet minister of the ICU,” Emuron remarked. “This is unprecedented, valuing academic excellence in our village schools is something we’ve long needed.”
He lauded the Minister’s gesture, noting that it reinforces the ICU’s commitment to uplifting academic standards and supporting rural education development.
Joy and Gratitude at Opeta Lake View Charles Ejau, Deputy Headteacher of Opeta Lake View Primary School, expressed his admiration and relief.
“Our hearts are filled with joy and appreciation,” he said. “Minister Ojatum is a man of his word, and it is clear he is determined to see this promise through to completion.”
“For our pupils, this means tangible support. For our teachers, it reaffirms the morale and motivation we need. This initiative has breathed new hope into our school community.”
The distribution of educational support during the Ecomai Festival tour fits squarely within the ICU’s wider mandate to promote Ateso heritage while securing economic and developmental benefits.
The festival, which gathers thousands across Eastern Uganda, showcases traditional music, dance, crafts, and more.
“Tourism enriches our culture; education empowers our future,” Hon. Ojatum commented during the visit.
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Congratulations to the minister ICU and teso tourism I’m happy to hear this me as a resident of OPETA as well as O.B apeero p/s great work done and good idea to support this school’s may the Almighty Lord bless you and give you more knowledge and ideas as you go ahead to nature the young generation Thanks