By Mike Rwothomio

In a significant achievement, select educators from specific sub-counties in Zombo district have received substantial financial awards as part of the 2025 Headteacher and Teacher of the Year recognition program.

The initiative is led by a consortium of NGOs, including Nebbi District NGO Forum, Life Concern, and CEFORD, under the “Alochi Ku Somu” project, meaning "Winning with Education." 

Funded by CO:OPERAID, a Swiss-based NGO, the award ceremony took place on April 14, 2025, at the Nebbi NGO Forum offices along Nyondo Road in Paidha Town Council.

Launched in 2022 and set to continue until 2027, the Alochi Ku Somu project focuses on advancing educational outcomes, improving school infrastructure, and strengthening teacher capacity through professional development.

Alfred Ogenmungu, Project Officer at Nebbi District NGO Forum, explained that the ten awarded educators were chosen from schools in Paidha Town Council, Paidha Sub-County, Warr Sub-County, Warr Town Council, and Atyak Sub-County.

Alfred Ogenmungu, Project Officer at Nebbi District NGO Forum, explained that the ten awarded educators were chosen from schools in Paidha Town Council, Paidha Sub-County, Warr Sub-County, Warr Town Council, and Atyak Sub-County.

Ogenmungu praised the recipients for their outstanding contributions and committed to involving them in ongoing professional development to boost school performance.

“Following this ceremony, you will participate in various professional development activities to enhance your skills,” Ogenmungu told the awardees, noting that recipients underwent a rigorous interview process after expressing interest.

Awarded Educators

Paula Wathum, Headteacher of Cana Primary School, received the Headteacher of the Year award. Teacher of the Year recipients included Gertrude Giramia (Nguthe Primary School), Jerry Kisarach (Owinyupielu Primary School), Dickson Ocan (Atyak Primary School), and Felix Adrapi (Ukemu Primary School), among others.

Paula Wathum, Headteacher of Cana Primary School, received the Headteacher of the Year award from the District inspector of schools Silvio Jalar, at Nebbi District NGO Forum Office in Paidha town council on April 15, 2025. Photo/ Mike Rwothomio

Each of the ten teachers received 1.5 million shillings, while the Headteacher of the Year was awarded 2 million shillings.

Approximately 65-70% of the funds are allocated to the educators for personal professional growth, with the remainder supporting educational initiatives at their schools.

Ogenmungu urged the recipients to invest in their professional development, stating, “Use these funds to enhance your skills, and we expect to see improved learner outcomes.”

The next phase of the project will extend benefits to educators in five additional sub-counties. 

To select awardees, Nebbi NGO Forum distributed forms to 36 schools across five sub-counties, receiving responses from 23 schools with 71 nominees. An independent jury shortlisted 21 candidates based on merit, ultimately selecting ten after interviews.

Samuel Ocaki, District Community Development Officer and jury chairperson, congratulated the educators, describing the awards as motivational. 

He emphasized that selections were based on merit, gender equity, and fairness, encouraging recipients to strive for professionalism to address the district’s poor educational performance.

“Go out and inspire your colleagues to work harder. Use these funds to build your capacity—the government no longer needs Grade III teachers,” Ocaki advised.

Silvio Jalar, Zombo’s District Inspector of Schools, urged the awardees to focus on learning outcomes, asking, “Are your students applying the knowledge you impart in practical ways?”

The district produced a concerning 2024 Primary Leaving Examination results, with only 23 students achieving Division One, 835 in Division Two, 950 in Division Three, 459 in Division Four, 333 ungraded, and 25 absent.

Jalar encouraged educators to leverage their skills and resources for lasting educational impact, emphasizing intelligence and motivation.

John Pascal Wapokra, Alur Kingdom’s Minister of Lands and Production, commended the consortium’s efforts to improve education, noting the region’s historical academic challenges since 2009. He urged awardees to uphold the kingdom’s reputation through their work.

The district also faces a 10% school dropout rate, particularly among girls, driven by high teenage pregnancy, according to District Education Officer Nickolas Odeba.

Awardee Reflections

Paula Wathum, Headteacher of Cana Primary School, expressed gratitude for her merit-based Headteacher of the Year award.

She credited her success to transparent leadership and collaboration with teachers and school management committees.

“I thank God for this merit-based award. I will use the funds to pursue further studies at Kyambogo University. At Cana Primary School, we are working with teachers and the community to transform our reputation for the better,” Wathum shared.

Phase Two of the Alochi Ku Somu project (2025-2027) is valued at 4.8 billion Uganda shillings, continuing its mission to elevate education in Zombo.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at Zoomer Africa.