By Okidi Patrick
Lillian Grace Ocari Hands over offfice to New Board Of Governers at Lira Town College
LIRA, UGANDA- April 3, 2026: Lira Town college on Thursday experienced a peaceful handoverof office between the outgoing Board of Governors chairperson Lillian Grace Ocari and incoming Board of Governors headed by chairperson Rev. Johnson Ogema for Lira Town college made.The peaceful handover ceremony was held at Pauline Hotel,in Lira City in tge presence of Mayor Lira city Atul Sam and otger key diginitaries including the media.
The outgoing Board Chairperson, Lillian Grace Ocari, narrated key challenges espicially the rising number of school fees defaulters amd tge issue sourrounding tge school land that strained the institution’s operations.
Ocari mentioned about inadequate staff housing, limited instructional materials for the new curriculum, and insufficient laboratory equipment as major setbacks affecting teaching and learning among others.
“The next phase must focus on improving classroom delivery and ensuring consistent teacher presence, especially under the evolving national curriculum,” adding that investment in a multi-purpose library, expanded ICT facilities, and well-equipped science laboratories remains as her achivemebts during her tenure of office.
The incoming Board Chairperson, Rev. Johnson Ogema also pledged a real strategic approach to address unity and hard work talking about collaboration among stakeholders, including teachers, students, alumni, and development other partners.
“Our priority is to strengthen academic excellence while completing key infrastructure projects such as additional dormitories, a library, and renovation of staff houses,” he said.Ogema emphasised about also highlighted plans of reliable motorized water system across the school, and construction of a mini stadium to boost sports development in tge current playground.
Lira City Education Officer, Canon Jane Obeny, commended the outgoing board for securing land titles and advancing infrastructure, cautionong against divisions during the leadership transition and emphasized the need for strong coordination to sustain progress.
Outgoing Board of Governors Lilliam Ocari and incoming Board of Governors for Lira town college made a peaceful handover in a ceremony held at Pauline Hotel ,Lira City on Thursday.
The outgoing Board Chairperson, Lillian Grace Ocari, outlined the key challenges that defined her administration, notably the rising number of school fees defaulters that strained the institution’s operations.
She also cited inadequate staff housing, limited instructional materials for the new curriculum, and insufficient laboratory equipment as major setbacks affecting teaching and learning.
Ocari further highlighted complex land disputes, including cases of encroachment and illegal construction on school property, some of which remain before court.
“The next phase must focus on improving classroom delivery and ensuring consistent teacher presence, especially under the evolving national curriculum,” she noted, adding that investment in a multi-purpose library, expanded ICT facilities, and well-equipped science laboratories remains critical.
The incoming Board Chairperson, Rev. Johnson Ogema who hails from victory outreach church, also pledged a real strategic approach to addressing unity and hard work. He stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including teachers, students, alumni, and development partners.
“Our priority is to strengthen academic excellence while completing key infrastructure projects such as additional dormitories, a library, and renovation of staff houses,” he said.
Rev.Igema also revealed plans to remove asbestos structures, establish a reliable motorized water system across the school, and construct a mini stadium to boost sports development.
Lira City Education Officer, Canon Jane Obeny, commended the outgoing board for securing land titles and advancing infrastructure, describing these as critical milestones for institutional stability.
She cautioned against divisions during the leadership transition and emphasized the need for strong coordination to sustain progress. Obeny also underscored the importance of reliable water systems in improving sanitation, discipline, and overall school management.
Lira City Council Secretary for Finance, Hon. James Omara Elem, said tge council’s commitment to supporting the school, morw espicially in financial management and improving sanitation infrastructure.
Headteacher Levi Abongo described the transition as a significant milestone, expressing optimism that the new board would inject fresh energy into the institution’s growth.
He noted that the school’s current enrollment stands at 2,380 students, a number expected to rise, thereby increasing pressure on existing facilities.
Levi Abongo stated that Lira Town College marks 59 years since its establishment in 1967, saying with the new leadership, unity, and strategic planning put in place Lira Town college will emerge as a leading centre of academic excellence in the Lango sub-region and beyond.
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