In the rolling plains of Karamoja, a region often defined by its challenges, young Lomokol Zachary begins his day before the first light of dawn. At 22, he recalls the countless mornings he set off from his home in Rapada village, walking for hours to reach St. Andrew’s Secondary School in Moroto. For Zachary, education was never a simple task, it was a test of resilience, determination, and hope.
When Napak district was formed in 2010, it had just 28 primary schools to serve over 60,000 children. For many youngsters, this meant walking long distances, sometimes up to eight kilometers, just to reach a classroom. Teachers were few, and learning materials scarcer still. For a determined boy like Zachary, every step taken toward school was a step toward a future he dreamed of but seemed almost impossible to reach.
“Fortunately, I was able to finish my O level despite all these challenges,” Zachary recalls. “It was not easy, but I made it through. My biggest challenge was getting to A level. I had always dreamed of studying at Makerere University, but at that point, it seemed very unlikely.”
The Struggle for Education
The obstacles Zachary faced were not only logistical but deeply rooted in cultural realities. Joyce Nakoya, Napak’s District Education Officer, explains that the Karimojong communities historically took longer to embrace formal education.
“Being a largely pastoralist population, parents often prioritized protecting their livestock over sending children to distant schools. Many didn’t see the need to endure the long walks when their children could help at home,” she says.
For Zachary, this meant schooling was a personal struggle as much as a community challenge. Beyond the long distances, his family faced financial pressure, and classrooms were often understaffed. Yet, he pressed on, driven by the vision of one day reaching higher education.
A Lifeline in Napak
Everything began to change with the opening of Napak Seed Secondary School in 2023, part of UgIFT’s nationwide initiative to transform education in underserved districts. The school was designed to meet the needs of the local community, and its construction actively involved residents, ensuring a sense of ownership and relevance.
Initially, the school catered only to lower levels, but Zachary and fellow students advocated for the introduction of A Level classes. Their persistence paid off.
“For me, Napak Seed opening was purely a miracle,” Zachary says. “Initially, it was not designed to offer A Level education. After multiple consultations with teachers and administrators, they finally introduced it, giving students like me a rare opportunity.”
Before Napak Seed offered A Level, boys seeking higher education had to leave the district entirely. For Zachary, staying close meant he could continue supporting his family while pursuing his academic ambitions.
Overcoming Early Challenges
The early days at Napak Seed were far from easy. Dormitories were nonexistent, forcing students to sleep in converted classrooms. Resources were limited, and the region’s insecurity posed ongoing threats. Yet the students’ and teachers’ resilience carried them through.
“The difference between St. Andrew’s and Napak Seed is clear,” Zachary reflects. “But for me, the most important difference was having qualified science teachers. The school’s proximity was a bonus, but the quality of education made all the difference. We could finally learn and grow without traveling hours each day.”
The school’s growth has been rapid. When it opened, the initial intake was just 60 students. Today, it serves over 400 learners across multiple levels, with ten government-paid teachers ensuring free tuition. Boarding fees cover only meals. In 2024, the first Senior Six cohort sat for national exams, with three students, including Zachary, earning scholarships to Uganda’s leading universities.
Dreams Taking Flight
Zachary is now pursuing a degree in Engineering at Makerere University, a dream that once seemed out of reach. But his story is more than a personal triumph; it reflects a shift in community attitudes and the power of education to transform entire regions.
“This program hasn’t just supported Napak,” he says. “It has supported the entire Karamoja region. Young people like me can now stand tall and proud. Education opens doors to bigger opportunities, allowing us to improve the lives of those around us. Thank you, UgIFT. I hope these opportunities continue so that regions like Karamoja can catch up with the rest of Uganda.”
Education as a Beacon of Hope
Napak Seed Secondary School is more than a building; it is a symbol of resilience, community engagement, and hope. The program’s success has shifted cultural perceptions, encouraging families to prioritize education alongside traditional livelihoods. Enrollment continues to grow, and the local community increasingly participates in the school’s operations, ensuring sustainability and relevance.
Zachary’s journey embodies the transformative power of education. From long walks at dawn to the lecture halls of Makerere, he represents a new generation of leaders in Karamoja; young people empowered to dream bigger, contribute more, and lift their communities.
In Zachary’s words, “With education, we can only dream of bigger opportunities so that we can better the lives of those around us. Napak Seed has given me that chance, and I hope it continues to give hope to many more like me.”
