By Reuben Olita
More than 7,000 students in secondary schools, tertiary colleges, and universities in Teso North Constituency are set to benefit from KSh80 million in bursary allocations under the National Government– Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).
Speaking to the press on day five of the bursary application exercise at Malaba Sports Complex Stadium, Bursary Chairman William Epaye Okalio said tertiary college and university students will receive double disbursements to cover two academic years after missing funding in the previous year.
“University and tertiary students did not receive bursaries last year, so they will benefit twice this financial year,” Okalio said.
He added that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) have been allocated KSh1.5 million to support their education across various learning institutions. Tertiary colleges, he noted, also have dedicated allocations.
According to Okalio, 8,000 secondary school students benefited from bursaries in 2025, but the number of beneficiaries for the current financial year will drop to 7,000 due to the absence of Form Two students following the transition to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Since the inception of bursary allocations in 2017, Okalio revealed that 53 students have undergone training in specialised courses, including medicine, law, and engineering, while over 400 students have been trained in nursing.
“The exercise has gone on smoothly despite a few divergent opinions. By tomorrow, the issuance of forms will conclude, and successful applicants will receive their cheques by the end of February 2026,” he said.
The bursary forms issuance exercise began on January 5 at Chamasiri ACK Church in Angurai East Ward, moved to Akiriamet KTTC in Angurai North on January 6, and proceeded to Jairos Cooperative in Malaba North on January 7.
NG-CDF Committee Chair Mary Ijaa Oshoromo said the initiative, spearheaded by fund patron Dr Oku Kaunya, aims to ensure that all vulnerable children
in school without disruption.
“Our patron presided over the opening of the forms issuance ceremony, which was attended by Deputy County Commissioner Solomon Kitai and the Sub-County Director of Education,” she said.
Mary th7ixanked parents for their cooperation⁰l000lmo0 in providing the required documents and praised the high turnout, noting that all applicants were served in line with the MP’s assurance.
Deputy Manager Mary Ekudam lauded MP Oku Kaunya’s commitment to education, saying the bursary programme has transformed lives since 2017.
“Hon. Kaunya has consistently upheld the sanctity of human life by ensuring even children who cannot raise KSh100 are supported to access education,” she said.
Bishop Joel Imaidoi, who represents the Public Service Commission on the NG-CDF board and serves as an accountant, said learners from vulnerable families were the main beneficiaries of the programme.
Local residents also expressed appreciation.
Pius Etyang, an Amagoro resident, said no MP from Teso compares to Hon. Oku Kaunya, and called on the government to introduce lunch programmes for Grade 9 learners.
Another resident, Isaac Papa, urged the MP to ignore critics and continue supporting education.
“Social media cannot take children to school or put food on the table. The MP is working to eliminate poverty in our community,” he said.
