Teso College Aloet e-learning centre lying idle over lack of computers

TESO - A seventy-one-year-old Teso College Aloet is calling on President Yoweri Museveni to fulfil his pledge of 200 desktops to be installed at the e-learning centre to facilitate the smooth teaching of learners.

The e-learning centre built by the alumni at the cost of shillings 800 million was commissioned by President Yoweri Museveni in 2022, during which he pledged to stock computers worth shillings 500 million.

“We kindly request you to follow up this pledge with relevant authorities,” headteacher Julius Opasso appealed to visiting justice minister Norbert Mao last week.

Opasso further revealed the challenge of no access to the Internet service and yet the landline-fibre cable, commonly known as MBI, passes through the school compound as it proceeds to Moroto town.

“Moreover, access to the Internet and computers provides a multimedia approach that enhances teaching and learning and also develops students’ proficiency in using the computer programs,” Opasso explained.

Mao had paid a courtesy call to the school.

Opasso informed the minister of the challenge of dilapidated structures, as well as the existence of structures with asbestos roofing. Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring mineral fibres. 

It has widespread current or historical commercial uses because of its material properties (strong, heat-resistant). Asbestos has been assessed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as being carcinogenic to humans. 

Exposure to asbestos, including chrysotile, causes cancer of the lung, larynx and ovaries, and mesothelioma (a cancer of the pleural and peritoneal linings). 

“There is an urgent need for the replacement of asbestos roofs in 63 staff housing units, two dormitories and two classroom blocks,” Opasso said.

Museveni commissioning the E- learning center and library at Teso College Aloet built by the alumni. (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)

Mao, who is also  Democratic Party president general, promised to reach out to the president over his unfulfilled pledge.

He said that he would use the opportunity of their cabinet meetings at the State House to inform the President.

Mao inspires learners

“Don't miss the opportunity to make good friends while you are in school; you have seen the list of luminaries. You now have two banks of Ugandan governors: the late Mutebile and the current governor, Atingi Ego. This is a sign that this is a place for greatness. So, you are the ones now who are going to value greatness,” Mao said amidst applause from the students.

He cautioned the learners to maintain the legacy of the school and not be seen as a generation reducing the greatness of school.

“Each time you are knocked down, prepare yourself to fight one more round. Sometimes life throws things at you, but always fight one more round, don't give up,” Mao said.
Turning to politics, Mao said the co-operation between his party and the ruling party has not stopped him from pursuing his ambitions of becoming the President of this country.

“Now I have taken some kind of bypass. That's why I'm now minister of justice, but not a member of NRM, you know, so it is a kind of rabba-dabba kind of thing. But it doesn't stop me from fighting one more round,” Moa said as students cheered him on.