Kapelebyong’s Labira Girls School Faces New Challenges as Enrollment Surges

The soaring enrollment at Labira Girls Secondary School in Obalanga Sub-County, Kapelebyong District, is largely attributed to its exceptional academic performance, but this rapid growth has also brought forth significant challenges that the government must address promptly.

Headteacher Aggrey Othieno Osang proudly reports that during his three-year tenure at the school, student enrollment has surged from 289 in 2023 to an impressive 1,124. This year alone, the school welcomed 423 new students, comprising 182 girls and 241 boys. The increase in enrollment aligns with Kapelebyong District’s reputation for being home to the top O and A level school.

However, Othieno has raised urgent concerns regarding pressing infrastructure issues. Due to inadequate classroom space, some students are forced to attend classes outdoors. Additionally, the school struggles with limited dormitory accommodations to meet the growing demand for boarding facilities, as well as insufficient housing for staff, which has led to heightened rental costs. Basic necessities such as furniture and a proper school fence are lacking, and the absence of a school bus has become a significant hindrance.

The resources for teaching ICT are alarmingly scarce, with only four laptops available for the compulsory subject. The few teachers on government payroll necessitate local recruitment, further inflating costs related to wages and salaries. There are also conflicts stemming from surrounding communities that are meant to support the school.

Othieno highlighted these challenges during the 2026 S.1 and S.5 new entrants welcome party and award ceremony, held at the school as Term 1 concluded on April 30, 2026.

He expressed appreciation for 122 outstanding students recognized for their achievements in areas such as discipline, academic excellence, sports, and the arts. Each category of awardees received a free T-shirt, and the top five academic performers from S.1–S.6 were rewarded with sponsorships: full, half, and quarter for first, second, and third places, respectively.

Furthermore, eight supportive parents were also recognized with T-shirts, while 33 exceptional academic teachers and 24 non-teaching staff received cash awards. Notably, the top achievers in UCE and UACE 2025 were also given cash rewards.

Various speakers at the event encouraged students to maintain focus, patriotism, respect, and discipline, while emphasizing the importance of hard work and problem-solving skills.

Joyce Akol, a widowed parent, urged students heading home for the holidays to remain safe from harmful influences and to support their families.

“When you return, continue to be the wonderful individuals you are. Girls, close your ‘books,’ and boys, put down your ‘pens.’ I am a widow by profession, single and searching. You often see me with my jerrican as I seek school fees. The jerrican is my partner! I’m also a grandmother to several students here. I’m breaking my English to emphasize how invaluable education is,” she shared.

Denis Akileng, the acting District Education Officer for Kapelebyong, highlighted Labira as a model school within the district. He encouraged students to uphold discipline and maintain their enrollment. Parents were called upon to contribute to the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) funds to further support the school’s development.

Acknowledging Labira Girls SS’s positive impact, he noted that in the upcoming financial year, there will be an increase in the school’s IPS, and the district plans to provide additional support along with guidance for partnering organizations.

Labira Girls, founded by the Church of Uganda, is a government grant-aided secondary school encompassing 23 acres, offering both arts and science subjects.

Currently, it boasts an enrollment of 1,124 students, with 833 of them residing in the school. The institution is staffed by 33 teachers, alongside 20 non-teaching and support personnel.