OYAM DISTRICT COUNCIL RESOLVES OWNERSHIP DISPUTES OF FOUR PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Oyam District Council during resolution of Foundation Body conflict.
 
By Ambrose Okai
 
Oyam
 
Oyam District Council has resolved ownership disputes involving four primary schools that had been embroiled in prolonged wrangles over their foundational bodies.

The affected schools include Amati P.7 and Apala B P.7 in Kamdini Sub County, Apala A P.7 in Aber Sub County, and Obanga Ngeo P.7 in Acaba Sub County which their wrangle started way back.

During the council session on Thursday April 10, 2025, the members deliberated on whether the schools should be established as foundation-based institutions or remain community-owned.

Speaker, Nommy Otyeno of Oyam District Local Government in his ruling said that the council’s decision marks a step toward resolving the ownership disputes of these schools and ensure harmony within the community.

‘’The position of the Council stands as follows. That for now, Amati P7, is now community school pending the minutes extract that maybe delivered to this council. Apala A P7 is now community school. Apala B P7 is Anglican funded, Obangangeo P7 is now Catholic-owned, no longer in conflict,’’ Otyeno said.

Otyeno said with this, it is on record that Oyam in history has already solved their issues of foundation body especially the one that is within their mandates.

The Oyam District Council, during a special session, clarified its lack of legal mandate to resolve foundational ownership disputes concerning Achaba Technical School.

The district Speaker, Nommy Otyeno said that the council cannot overturn decisions made by the Ministry of Education and Sports, including those regarding school boards, as these fall under the Ministry of Education jurisdiction.

‘’As a council, we lack the legal mandate to preside over the foundational ownership of Achaba Technical School. For now, we recommend that the school remains community-owned until we receive written communication from the Ministry of Education and Sports,’’Otyeno said.

‘’Let it go on record that we have not resolved the issue of Achaba Technical School’s ownership, but we demand clarity from the Ministry on the approved board members and ownership details,’’ he adds.

Otyeno set a deadline for the Ministry to provide guidance by the second week of May 2025, coinciding with the district’s budget approval session stating that failure to meet this deadline would compel the district to make a decision in consultation with stakeholders.

He also reminded council members of their immunity and authority under the Local Government Act that highlight the legality of their proceedings and decisions.

‘’No voice is above the council's authority regarding these primary school foundation issues. Our decisions aim to serve the best interest of the common man,’’Otyeno said.

Chris Ongom, the Vice chairperson LC5 Oyam District support the Speaker's ruling on Achaba Technical School saying Instead of the district taking unnecessary risks, the district can write directly to the Ministry of Education, copying the Committee of Education in Parliament to allow the higher authority to provide a written resolution clarifying the ownership of Achaba Technical School.

In a dramatic turn of events, three councillors of Oyam District Council boycotted a crucial vote on Thursday regarding the ownership of Amati P.7 School in Kamdini Sub County.

The councillors, Walter Atoo (Ngai Sub County), Billie Otoo (Otwal Sub County), and David Tile (Youth Representative) signed the attendance list but were notably absent when the secret voting commenced.

The results revealed a divided council, with 13 votes favoring community ownership, 8 supporting Catholic ownership, and 1 invalid vote.

Billie Otoo defended his absence from the voting exercise, clarifying that his departure was necessitated by an urgent matter.

‘’ I was among the first to join the council today to debate the foundation body issues. When I stepped out to answer nature's call, voting had not been announced. To say I absconded my duty is inaccurate. I fully respect my right to participate in the disposal of the foundation body report and would have tried my best to remain present had I known voting would take place.’’Otoo said.

Residents speak out

Some residents of Obangangeo, who were present at the council meeting, expressed satisfaction with the ruling. They believe the decision will prevent further escalation of tensions and bring stability to the affected schools.

Terence Ogwang Engole, a resident of Obangangeo said he is satisfied with the council’s ruling saying this decision will help ease tensions surrounding the schools and bring stability to the community.

‘’The council’s resolution is a blessing from God. The prolonged wrangle had hindered the development of our school for too long, and this decision brings hope for a brighter future to us community members and our children,’’

But a clergy who requested for anonymity from the Anglican side said they are yet not convinced on ruling on Obangangeo P.7 ownership. The source said are yet going to consult with their lawyer whether to take legal means or not but maintained that they have enough supporting documents.