By Our Reporter
KAPELEBYONG
At 43 years old, James John Bosco Obote, a resident of Ogweng Village, Alito Sub-County in Kapelebyong District, has embarked on an inspiring journey of education. He has enrolled as among the 116 Senior Five students at Labira Girls SS in Obalanga Town Council, marking a significant milestone in his life.
Born on June 24, 1982, Obote completed his Senior Four with 32 aggregates and achieved a Second Grade at Dr. Obote College-Lira in 2001. However, 25 years passed before he could resume his education, during which time he faced the loss of his parents and financial difficulties, forcing him to pause his academic aspirations.
Turning to agriculture, Obote excelled in cultivating maize and rice. Alongside his wife, Sarah Amule, they have raised six children who currently attend primary school, with two still quite young. While managing family life, he was elected clan chief of Otengor-bakolang, overseeing the Otuke district.
Obote’s musical talents also shine brightly; he’s a renowned xylophonist who, in 1995, received a certificate as the best instrumental soloist at the National Theatre in Kampala. His passion for music led him to learn guitar, and he now plays while singing and teaches others to do the same.
Each day at their ancestral village, Obote rises at 5 AM to work in the fields. He ploughs with an ox until around 7 AM, then heads home to prepare for school. The school is about five kilometers away, a distance he covers on his bicycle in less than an hour.
“Before fuel prices rose, I would ride my motorcycle when I was running late,” he recalls.
In class, he prefers to sit in the front row for better focus, or in the second row if the front is occupied.
He has been determined to raise funds to return to school, where he is now pursuing a combination of Biology, Chemistry, and Agriculture (BCA).
His goal is to achieve 20 points in the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) exams in 2027, aspiring to become a doctor, inspired by the positive impact of healthcare professionals in Uganda.
Currently a day scholar, Obote plans to transition to boarding school soon while ensuring his family maintains their farming operations. At the end of the first term, he was recognized as one of over 100 top-performing students at the school.
Despite the age difference, he feels perfectly at ease among his younger classmates.
“I treat my fellow students like siblings, my children. Some of them consider me a father figure,” he shares.
Obote reflects on his decision to return to school, noting that in his earlier days, reaching S.4 felt like achieving the pinnacle of education. However, with the dynamic changes in Uganda, particularly in innovation and creativity, he recognizes the need for further qualifications. This realization, along with encouragement from his wife, motivated him to seek more knowledge so he can support the younger generation.
“What inspired me to return to school is witnessing the direction of education in Uganda, combined with my wife’s support,” he shares.
Like any typical student, Obote engages in various school activities, including football, music, dance, and drama. On April 30th, 2026, during a welcoming celebration for S.1 and S.5 students, he thrilled the audience, including students, parents, and district leaders, with his guitar rendition of the classic song “Sina Makosa.”
Despite facing challenges in providing for his family and sourcing learning materials, Obote is determined to adapt to the new curriculum, having initially been accustomed to the older version.
As a day scholar, he pays shs348,000 per term. He encourages his peers, reminding them that education has no endpoint.
“The benefits may be sweet, even if the journey is tough,” he advises.
Emmanuel Okedi, 26, considers Obote his best friend and mentor, appreciating his wisdom and experience navigating various life challenges, especially being a family man.
Okedi looks up to Obote’s determination and the way he inspires him to persevere in the face of adversity.
“I want to adopt the admirable qualities he possesses to ensure my own growth,” Okedi states.
Stephen Opio, a Senior Five Class and Biology teacher, praises Obote as a well-behaved and proactive student.
In the recently concluded first term, Obote achieved a B in Biology, a C in Chemistry, and a C in Agriculture, earning a total of 13 points. He is among the 30 out of 116 S.5 Student offering BCA in the school.
Opio believes Obote shows great promise, noting his attentiveness in class and his proactive approach to seeking help from teachers whenever needed.
“I regard him almost like a father figure, and I support him wholeheartedly,” Opio adds.
James John Bosco Obote’s story is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of education, no matter the challenges faced.
