By Mariam Namakula
There is a bitter row between West Lango Diocese and the community in Aduku Sub County over the ownership of Aduku Seed Secondary School. The multi-million World Bank-funded seed school sits on 15 acres land in Aboko parish Aduku Sub County in Kwania district.
The Shillings 1.7Billion School whose construction has been completed is in fulfilment of a presidential pledge to give children from the marginalized community, an opportunity to go to school.
However, the operationalisation of the school that was scheduled to start in July this year hangs in balance due to the controversy between the Anglican West Lango Diocese and the Community.
The disagreement stems from a letter written by the Diocesan Secretary to Kwania district LC V chairperson early this week claiming ownership of the school.
The diocese is claiming ownership of the land hosting the school and wants it placed under the Anglican Church.
Rev. Ronald Ogwang, the Archdeacon of Aboko Archdeaconry claims that the land in question that originally belonged to Otengoro, Atek and Laki clans was donated to the church in 1956.
He said part of the church land measuring 15 acres was subsequently used to establish Aboko Seed Secondary School, which should be under the Anglican Church.
The move has stirred mixed reactions from the community, with some threatening to petition the court. Thomas Opio Okene, a resident of Amuli Village in Aboko parish accuses Anglican Church leaders of conspiring to take over the school.
Jenifer Odyata, a resident of Odeo corner in Aboko parish accused some district leaders of conniving with the Anglican Church to fraudulently takeover the school with intention of swindling money.
In case the matter isn’t resolved, Odyata says they will be left with no option but to run to the court of law. Basil Okello Onac, a resident of Aboko also the former district boss noted that the move disenfranchises the community of Aduku Sub County, which lacks a public secondary school.
Geoffrey Ogwal Adyebo, the Kwania district LCV Chairman has denied harbouring any biases against the Aduku community and the Anglican Church.
Ogwal says that he will ensure the school starts with immediate effect as the matter is settled amicably.
