By Okidi Patrick
Education Ministry flags off St. Gracious SS Chemistry Champion Atine Solomon, for Russia Chemistry Olympiad.
LIRA, UGANDA: April 14, 2026: The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports has officially flagged off Atine Solomon, an 18-year-old S.6 candidate from St. Gracious Secondary School (SAGRASS) in Lira City, to represent Uganda at the International Mendeleev Chemistry Olympiad in Moscow, Russia.
The high-profile ceremony, held ahead of his departure on April 14, 2026, was graced by the President of the Uganda National Students Association (UNSA), the UNSA Executive Secretary, and several top dignitaries from the Education Ministry.
In the global Stage, Solomon
Atine is set to compete against the world’s best young scientists in a rigorous competition running from April 15 to 23, 2026. Speaking to the press shortly before his departure, a confident Atine declared his readiness to carry the Ugandan flag with pride and to excell again at the next level.
“I am prepared to give my best and show the world what Uganda is capable of,in the field of science,” he said.
His father, Mr. Ogwal Tonny Brian, was full of happiness, expressing deep gratitude to God and the SAGRASS administration for nurturing his son’s talent.
“This is a prestigious milestone for our family. I thank the school for the mentorship that has brought Solomon to this global stage,” Mr. Ogwal said.
Academic Giant
According to the SAGRASS Principal, Martin Ojok Anyuru, the school was selected for the international meet after a stellar performance that saw them ranked second best in Chemistry.
“The Lango sub-region is incredibly proud of the science-based academic journey at SAGRASS. I urge other students across the country to emulate Solomon’s brilliance and discipline,” Dr.Patrick Olet the CEO of SAGRASS remarked.
One of the Education Ministry officials lauded St. Gracious Secondary School for its commitment to practical sciences, noting that Atine’s journey is a testament to the quality of science education being championed in Northern Uganda.
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