By Raymond Eyangu
Amid the rhythmic drumbeats of school bands, cheers from students, and the joyful return of alumni in dignified suits and traditional attire, Teso College Aloet (TCA) marked its 71st anniversary with not just celebration, but a resounding affirmation of its legacy.
The school, one of Eastern Uganda’s most revered boys’ secondary institutions, was honored for its unwavering commitment to discipline, stability, and academic excellence.
At the heart of the anniversary celebration was the powerful endorsement from Soroti’s Resident City Commissioner (RCC), John Michael Okurut, who described TCA as a “shining model of discipline and values” in Uganda’s ever-challenging education sector.
“In 71 years, the school has never made serious negative headlines, and that is not by accident. It is a result of strong leadership and a committed community,” RCC Okurut told a captivated audience at the school’s main campus.
Founded in 1954, Teso College Aloet has weathered Uganda’s shifting political and social landscapes, from periods of political upheaval to curriculum reforms, without once compromising on the values it holds dear.
Remarkably, the school boasts an unmatched record: no violent protests, and no criminal behavior reported in over seven decades of operation.
In an age where many secondary schools across Uganda grapple with student unrest, vandalism, and defiance, TCA has stood firm as a bastion of calm and character.
RCC Okurut praised the school for this legacy, urging other institutions to emulate its example.
“Many schools are struggling to maintain discipline in today’s social climate. But Teso College Aloet has remained a beacon. Its alumni are proof that the values taught here, respect, responsibility, and hard work, are not just ideals but a way of life,” he said.
The celebration was graced by hundreds of students, teachers, parents, alumni, and education stakeholders.
Among them were civil servants, university lecturers, and business professionals, all proud former students of TCA, who returned to honor their roots.
The success of TCA, according to its Head Teacher Mr. Julius Opaaso, stems from an unbroken chain of collaboration between the school’s stakeholders: teachers, students, parents, and alumni.
Speaking with humility and pride, Opaaso noted that the school’s culture is the product of decades of shared purpose.
“This school is built on unity, respect, and integrity, values we strive to pass on to each generation of students,” said Mr. Opaaso.
“Discipline is not enforced through fear. It is nurtured through mentorship, example, and consistency.”
That philosophy has paid off in the caliber of men the school has produced, leaders in government, business, medicine, education, and civil society.
Members of the Old Boys Association shared moving testimonies of how their time at TCA shaped not just their academic success, but their moral grounding.
“I learned more than just Mathematics and English here,” said Dr. Moses Opolot, a university lecturer.
“I learned character, timekeeping, service, and humility. Those things have carried me farther than any academic transcript ever could.”
In a gesture of gratitude and ongoing commitment, the alumni donated science laboratory equipment and instructional materials to the school, part of a broader plan to upgrade the school’s facilities and support students from underprivileged backgrounds.
While the day honored the past, speakers repeatedly emphasized the need for the school to evolve.
With Uganda’s education system undergoing reforms and students facing new pressures, digital distractions, mental health concerns, and economic uncertainty, TCA’s future will depend on its ability to balance tradition with innovation.
Ms. Anyait Theresa Akorimo, chairperson of the school’s disciplinary board of governors, called on education leaders to recognize TCA as a national example.
“TCA’s record is unmatched, but sustainability requires adaptation. Let us not just look back at 71 years of glory. Let’s look ahead and prepare our boys for a rapidly changing world,” Akorimo stated.
“The Ministry of Education should study TCA’s model, its approach to governance, student discipline, and community partnerships, and replicate that in other institutions.”
Teso College Aloet’s 71st anniversary was not just a school celebration. It was a timely reminder that academic institutions can and must build environments where values and education walk hand in hand.
As Uganda struggles with rising cases of student strikes, exam malpractice, and school indiscipline, TCA stands as living proof that schools can still be peaceful, principled, and productive.
In the words of RCC Okurut: “Teso College Aloet shows us that real success in education is not measured only by grades, but by the men we send into the world. This school sends out men of purpose, and that is the legacy we must protect.”
As the sun set over Soroti City and students lowered the school flag, TCA’s legacy was not just celebrated it was renewed.
For 71 years, this school has marched to a different rhythm. With the wind of community behind its back and values at its core, there is little doubt that Teso College Aloet will continue to lead by example, for the next generation, and beyond.
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