By Willy Chowoo
Gulu, Uganda
Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo Chigamoi, co-chair of the Rocco Paco Foundation, on February 17, 2025, officially launched the Dero Kwan Scholarship, an education initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable Acholi children joining secondary school and high institutions of learning.
The inaugural scholarship will benefit 60 deserving students from the eight districts of the Acholi sub-region, Gulu City, and Kitgum Municipality. The beneficiaries will enroll in schools within the region, a move designed to strengthen local educational institutions.
According to Mrs. Lanyero Filda Ojok, co-chair of the Dero Kwan Scholarship program, 59 students have been confirmed for sponsorship so far. Due to challenges in collecting application forms from different primary schoos , Gulu District currently has one slot unfilled, but efforts are underway to complete the selection process.
Each district has seven selected students, while Gulu City and Kitgum Municipality have two students each. The selection process was based on academic merit, discipline, and financial need.
Ambassador Dr. Olara Otunnu, also a co-chair of the Rocco Paco Foundation, revealed that approximately UGX 350 million has been raised for the program . The funds were contributed by settlors , each donating UGX 10 million, in addition to UGX 60 million collected from other well-wishers.
“We are starting with 60 students as a pilot phase to ensure sustainability before expanding the program,” said Dr. Otunnu.
Reviving Acholi’s Educational Legacy
Speaking at the launch, Chief Justice Owiny Dollo emphasized that the scholarship marks the beginning of a “journey of a thousand miles” in restoring Acholi’s former academic excellence, which was severely disrupted by decades of armed conflict.
“This initiative gives hope to our people. We believe that if these children are supported, they will one day stand in leadership positions to shape the future of our community,” he said.
The Dero Kwan Scholarship is funded by contributions from the Acholi people, both at home and in the diaspora, and was first conceptualized during the 2023 Gurre Me Pongdwong convocation, which led to the establishment of the Rocco Paco Foundation.
Criteria for Selection
While the long-term goal is to support students at various levels of education, financial constraints have limited the initial phase to students joining secondary school.
Dr. Otunnu explained that selection was based on three key factors:
1. Academic Excellence – Students had to demonstrate strong academic performance, with scores ranging from aggregate 9 to 23.
2. Discipline – A child’s behavior and character in society played a significant role in the selection process.
3. Parental Commitment – Parents were assessed based on their involvement in school activities, including attending PTA meetings and contributing towards education costs.
Mrs. Lanyero noted that some applicants were disqualified after interviews revealed discrepancies in their financial status. “We visited some homes to verify the claims made in applications. Some parents who could afford school fees were removed from the program,” she said.
The selection team also considered students’ talents in sports and other extracurricular activities.
Gender Representation and Academic Performance
Out of the 59 selected students, 20 are girls, representing 34% of the total scholarship recipients. However, Amuru, Gulu City, and Kitgum Municipality did not produce a single female beneficiary.
The top-performing student is a boy from Rackoko Primary School in Pader District with aggregate 9 , while the best-performing girl, who scored aggregate 10, is from Pankwaro Primary School in Gulu District.
Of the 59 students:
20 scored in Grade One, with the top five girls scoring aggregates between 10 and 12.
39 students scored in Grade Two, representing 66% of the total beneficiaries.
Ambassador Otunnu warned that any student found to have provided false information regarding their financial situation would have their scholarship revoked.
A Call for Collective Effort
Chief Justice Owiny Dollo expressed confidence that Acholi’s academic rankings, which have remained among the lowest in Uganda, will improve in the coming years.
“We have no doubt that both the spirit and the flesh are willing. With collective commitment, we shall rise from the bottom of UBOS rankings and reclaim our lost glory,” he stated.
The Dero Kwan Scholarship is expected to expand in future phases to accommodate more students and extend support to higher education.
This initiative stands as a beacon of hope for Acholi’s youth, paving the way for a new generation of educated leaders who will transform the region.
