Amugu Agro Technical Institute Board Chair Accuses Some Instructors of Using Students to Instigate a Protest

Amugu Agro Technical Institute Board Chair Accuses Some Instructors of Using Students to Instigate a Protest 

Lira, Uganda: Following the ongoing unrest at Amugu Agro Technical Institute, where students have staged protests against the acting principal Mr. Richard Okite and bursar over alleged financial mismanagement, the Board Chairperson, Mr. Howard Onyok, has accused certain instructors of fueling the chaos.

 Onyok suggests that these instructors are manipulating students to serve their own interests, deepening divisions between the institution’s leadership and learners.

The unrest began last week when a faction of students, led by the guild president, submitted a formal complaint to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Alebtong District. In their letter, they demanded the immediate removal of the acting deputy principal, Mr. Okite Richard, and bursar Ms. Lucy Apio Buasor, alleging that the two officials were responsible for the institution's financial collapse through embezzlement of funds.

District Leaders Step In

In response to these claims, district leaders, including Alebtong Local Council Five Chairperson David Kennedy Odongo, alongside security officials from the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) office, have intervened. While addressing the media, Mr. Odongo announced that Okite and Apio had been temporarily suspended from accessing the school premises until an official investigation was completed.

He further urged the Office of the CAO to establish an independent audit committee to thoroughly examine allegations of corruption and mismanagement at the institution.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that students forcibly chased away the two embattled officials, escalating tensions further within the school community.

Board Chairperson Speaks Out

Speaking to journalists at Amugu Town Council, Board Chairperson Mr. Howard Onyok condemned the unrest and called for calm. While acknowledging the ongoing investigations, Onyok expressed concern over certain individuals within the school, particularly some instructors, whom he accuses of using students to push personal agendas against the accused officials.

Onyok defended Mr. Okite Richard and Ms. Lucy Apio, stating that despite the allegations, they have made notable contributions toward reviving the institution during their tenure. He criticized the manner in which some individuals were pursuing the issue, bypassing board members who are central to addressing such matters, and fueling rumors instead of following formal procedures.

The Board Chairperson revealed plans to hold a crisis meeting to discuss the best way forward, ensuring that concerns over mismanagement are properly handled while also preventing external influence from derailing institutional progress.

Awaiting Further Developments

As investigations proceed, district authorities and the board are expected to take decisive action based on the findings of the independent audit. In the meantime, Onyok has urged stakeholders to allow due process and avoid inciting further unrest among students.

Recently while speaking to the reporter, Mr. Rochard Okite dismissed the accusation as baseless.