RDC Rwotlonyo Urges Amolatar Residents to Reject Propaganda, Defends Central Government Response on Arwotcek Seed School.
BY ALELE RONALD ONGWECH
AMOLATAR, UGANDA — Resident District Commissioner Francis Okello Odoki Rwotlonyo has called on the people of Amolatar District to resist being swayed by propaganda and identity politics, warning that such divisions could cripple service delivery in the district. His remarks came in response to growing community agitation over the stalled construction of Arwotcek Seed Secondary School, with the RDC insisting that the matter was raised in Parliament and that the central government has responded.
Speaking to residents, Rwotlonyo emphasized that the challenges facing Arwotcek Seed Secondary School are being addressed through the proper channels, noting that Members of Parliament raised the matter and the central government has provided its response. He cautioned that the politics of identity and propaganda will not help the people of Amolatar District.
“Politics of identity and propaganda will not help the people of Amolatar District,” Rwotlonyo said, calling instead for unity and cooperation among residents and leaders. He urged the community to focus on constructive engagement rather than divisive rhetoric that could undermine service delivery.
The RDC’s remarks follow recent parliamentary exchanges in which Kioga North MP Geoffrey Ocen raised the issue of Arwotcek Seed Secondary School’s exclusion from the funding cycle after its classroom block was demolished. In response, State Minister for Education Peter Ogwang apologized and explained that the project was initially intended to cover 116 schools, but available funding could only support 90 — placing Arwotcek among 26 schools requiring additional financing. The minister pledged to prioritize its construction in the next financial year.
Rwotlonyo pointed to this parliamentary response as evidence that the matter is being handled at the appropriate level, and that the central government is aware of and responsive to the community’s concerns.
The RDC reiterated his longstanding message that leadership is a sacred calling rather than a personal privilege, urging public officials and residents alike to serve with humility and integrity. He called for cooperation between community members, local leaders, and technical teams to ensure that development goals for the district are achieved.
Rwotlonyo’s appeal comes amid heightened tensions in the district, with some residents threatening to block officials from visiting the Arwotcek school site unless funds for construction are delivered. The RDC’s message appears aimed at cooling tempers and redirecting attention toward constructive dialogue.
The controversy centers on allegations that UGX 600 million under the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfer (UGIFT) program, originally designated for Arwotcek Seed Secondary School, was redirected to Ajikdak Seed Secondary School. Community members say they demolished the school’s only usable classroom block in preparation for the Uganda Secondary Education Expansion Project (USEIP), only for Arwotcek to be dropped from the program entirely.
Residents have demanded explanations from former LC5 Chairperson and current Kioga North MP Geoffrey Ocen, former District Education Officer Josephine Asen Okulu, former Chief Administrative Officer Samuel Paul, and former Deputy RDC Liawala. The community has also sought responses from current RDC Rwotlonyo and CAO Rhoda Oroma.
Rwotlonyo’s appeal for unity reflects his consistent stance on leadership and governance in the district. He has repeatedly emphasized that public officials must prioritize service over personal interests and that development requires collective effort rather than division.
As the district awaits the next financial year’s budget allocations, the RDC’s call for calm and cooperation may prove critical in bridging the gap between community frustration and government processes. Whether residents heed his message will depend largely on whether promised prioritization of Arwotcek Seed Sec school.
About the Author
