Zombo politicians warned against politicizing Education Ordinance 2024

Zombo: Politicians in Zombo District have been cautioned against interfering with the implementation of the Local Government Zombo Education Ordinance 2024, whose formulation began in 2023.

With support from Nebbi NGO Forum and other partners, Zombo District initiated the ordinance to address education challenges in the region.

The ordinance underwent rigorous review by the Ministry of Local Government and the Solicitor General before being sent back to Zombo for final approval by district leaders.

On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the Zombo District Council Hall, local leaders officially signed the long-awaited document, which outlines strategies and guidelines to improve education in the district.

During the event, Hassan Ringtho, the Zombo District Council Speaker, warned politicians against interfering with its implementation.

“I urge our elected leaders not to interfere with the implementation process of the ordinance. In many cases, technocrats blame political leaders for becoming obstacles to government programs,” Ringtho stated.

A recent District Education Department report revealed a low transition rate of learners from primary to secondary school, averaging only 10%.

Nicholas Odeba, the District Education Officer, emphasized that the ordinance aims to promote education, combat child labor and enforce penalties for violations.

He called for collective efforts to ensure the ordinance’s effectiveness.

A survey by Life Concern, a Zombo-based NGO, further highlighted the district’s education crisis, revealing that 65% of youths cannot read or write.

Francis Bolingo, the Athuma Subcounty Councillor, expressed satisfaction with the ordinance’s approval but urged the Ministry of Education to improve school infrastructure, which he said contributes to high dropout rates.

The 2024 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) results showed a decline in student performance where 23 pupils passed in division one, 835 in division two, 950 in division three, 459 in division four, 333 were ungraded, while 25 never sat for the exams.

James Oruna Oyullu, the Zombo District LCV Chairperson, explained that the ordinance went through a lengthy approval process at the Ministry of Local Government and the Solicitor General’s Office, unlike other districts still struggling to pass similar laws.

He thanked development partners like Nebbi NGO Forum for their support and urged religious, political, and cultural leaders to sensitize communities about the benefits of the education ordinance.

Deputy RDC of Zombo, Grace Atim, called for increased sensitization and strict enforcement.

“We need to start engaging our community. This ordinance has come at the right time, and what remains now is enforcement. I pledge total support from the Office of the President,” Atim said.

She also expressed hope that the ordinance would address chronic teacher absenteeism, especially on market days.

Leaders believe that the Local Government Zombo Education Ordinance 2024 will; promote discipline among learners, ensure student safety, support academic success, create a structured learning environment, and encourage collaboration in school management.

While the Local Government Act empowers councils to enact ordinances for effective governance, many districts struggle due to; limited funding, lack of expertise and weak implementation mechanisms.

The education ordinance will officially take effect upon gazettement.

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