On Wednesday, 19th November 2025, St. Katherine Secondary School successfully conducted the election of new staff representatives to the Board of Governors. The exercise was held in the school staffroom during the routine staff briefing, running from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm.
The session opened with a guided prayer led by Ord. Joshua Gira, who invited the Holy Spirit to take lead in the election process. He prayed that God would guide the staff in choosing leaders aligned with His purpose, and he referenced Romans 13:1, reminding the members that all authority is established by God.
After the prayer, the Headteacher, Ms. Akello Margaret, who served as the presiding officer, read out the sections of the Education Act that guide election of staff representative to the Board of Governors, which include:
a) A candidate must be a member of staff.
b) The candidate must be on the government payroll.
c) Either gender is eligible.
d) Two representatives are required.
e) Elections must take place during an official staff meeting.
As spelled by law, the headteacher did not cast any vote. Nominations began with Mr. Oluma Tom Richard, proposed by Mr. Okidi Walter and seconded by Mr. Otim Anjelous. Mr. Ogwal Benard was then nominated by Judith Anyango and seconded by Eyuko Michael. The school bursar, Mr. Harbert, nominated Mr. Mulungana Paul, but Mulungana declined the nomination. With no further nominations, Madam Nyakober and Rev. Abel Okwir officially closed the process.
During the voting, the exercise remained peaceful and orderly. When the votes were tallied, Mr. Ogwal Benard won with 43 votes, while Mr. Oluma Tom Richard garnered 24 votes. On the female ticket, Ms. Akumu Alice went unopposed and was declared elected.
In a spirit of maturity and unity, Mr. Oluma openly accepted the results, walked over to Mr. Benard, hugged him, and congratulated him. He assured the staff that he would fully support the new representatives and work together with them for the good of the school. His gesture was warmly welcomed and set a positive tone for collaboration moving forward.
When invited to speak, both Mr. Ogwal Benard and Ms. Akumu Alice thanked the staff for the confidence placed in them. They acknowledged God’s hand in their election and called upon His guidance as they take up the new responsibility. They pledged honest, courageous, and effective representation, asking for cooperation and continued prayers.
The election concluded with unity, transparency, and shared commitment, marking another step in strengthening leadership and governance at St. Katherine Secondary School.
