Gulu Archdiocese Struggles to Retain Catholic School Students

The Gulu Archdiocese is facing a major challenge in retaining students in its Catholic-founded schools in the region, with a significant drop in the enrollments and completion rates. Church leaders and education officials has warned that without urgent intervention the future of Catholic education remains uncertain.  

Speaking at a stakeholders' conference held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at Archbishop Flynn Secondary School, Rev. Fr. Robert Odong, the Education Secretary of Gulu Archdiocese revealed worrying statistics about student retention. Despite having 629 Catholic-founded schools with 453 primaries, 32 secondaries, and 20 tertiary institutions, he revealed that only 10% of pupils from Catholic primary schools transition to secondary schools.  Adding that, just 4% of those who enroll in secondary school complete their education, and less than 1% proceed to higher institutions of learning.  

“The numbers may seem large, but when you analyze them, we are losing most of our students along the way,” Fr. Odong explained. He further pointed out that Kalongo Deanery which once had 159 Catholic-founded schools, now has only 129, with several institutions closing due to financial constraints, poor infrastructure, and lack of teaching staff.  

A growing concern among stakeholders is the increasing number of Acholi students seeking education outside the region, particularly in Central Uganda. Fr. Odong have estimated that over six billion Ugandan shillings are spent annually by families from Northern Uganda on education in other regions which he said, has weakened local Catholic schools and led to diversion critical resources.  

Rev. Fr. Ronald Reagan Okello, Executive Secretary for Education at the Uganda Episcopal Conference in his speech, called for a renewed commitment to strengthening Catholic education. He further urged government and church leaders to collaborate in improving school infrastructure, training teachers, and making Catholic schools more competitive as it was known for shaping great leaders in this country. 

The conference was under theme; "Evangelization through Education – Our Shared Responsibility,” and, it brought together school representatives from both Agago and Pader districts, district officials and development partners. Gulu Diocese Archbishop Raphael p’Mony Wokorach who was the chief guest stressed that education is a sacred duty, and called on different stakeholders to take collective responsibility in reversing the decline.  

Participants agreed that urgent interventions, including increased funding, policy reforms, and improved teaching conditions, are necessary to restore the quality and reputation of Catholic schools in the Gulu Archdiocese.