Rising above war and ridicule: The 50-year journey of Gulu SS
Gulu Senior Secondary School in Northern Uganda has evolved from a private institution founded in 1968 to a government-aided school. Despite surviving political upheaval, the expulsion of its Asian founders, and years of public ridicule, it has become a significant educational pillar in the region.
Why it matters
It illustrates the resilience of educational institutions in post-conflict regions and their role in social development.
Gulu Secondary School. PHOTO/EMMY DANIEL OJARA
Founded in 1968 by members of the Asian community as the first private secondary school in the Acholi sub-region, Gulu Senior Secondary School was built to bring together Ugandan, Indian, and Sudanese students under the leadership of a director and headteacher remembered as Mr Patel.
However, its founders did not live to see the institution flourish. Following the 1972 expulsion of Asians by President Idi Amin Dada, the school was left in the hands of Mr Patek Ajwayo, an Acholi native from Attiak Sub-county in present-day Amuru District, who had been working there as a casual employee.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in