In a landmark decision set to transform aviation dreams for the youth of Teso, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has approved five annual fully sponsored scholarships for Iteso students at the prestigious Soroti Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Flying School. This breakthrough follows a recent meeting between the President and His Royal Highness Papa Emorimor Paul Sunde Emolot Etomeileng at State House, Entebbe.
The initiative marks the first time the government has ring-fenced such opportunities at the flight training centre specifically for young people from the Teso sub-region.
Stephen Ojacor, the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) Information Minister, broke the news, highlighting a long-standing paradox for the region. "For years, Teso students have struggled to gain entry into the Soroti Flying School despite its location in their own backyard," Ojacor stated. He explained that while the facility, which trains pilots and aviation engineers for Uganda and the wider East African region, is built on Iteso ancestral land, very few local graduates have emerged due to prohibitive tuition fees, often exceeding tens of millions of shillings.
Community leaders have long voiced their frustration over this exclusion. "We have watched other regions take advantage of a school that sits on our land while our children only dream of becoming pilots," said Margaret Akurut, a retired teacher from Soroti City. "The President’s decision is long overdue and deeply welcome."
The newly established scholarship scheme will fully sponsor five Iteso students every academic year, covering tuition, flight hours, and comprehensive technical training. Candidates will be selected through a collaborative process involving the Iteso Cultural Union and the Ministry of Teso Affairs, ensuring equitable representation from across the region’s eight districts.
Officials at the flying school have lauded the initiative as a potential game-changer. "Aviation is not just about flying planes; it’s a gateway to engineering, safety management, and global opportunities," explained Captain Julius Ogwang, an instructor at Soroti Flying School. "With dedicated scholarships, Teso can begin producing its own pilots and aircraft maintenance experts."
Local economists predict wide-ranging socio-economic benefits. "Every pilot trained here becomes an ambassador for the region," noted economist Patrick Obore. "The ripple effects include new businesses, tourism opportunities, and a stronger case for further infrastructure investment, injecting crucial income into Teso’s economy."
The news has sparked widespread optimism among Teso’s youth and parents. "This is a dream come true," said Grace Ekit, a student who has long aspired to a career in aviation. "Knowing there is a pathway to professional training motivates us to study harder in science and mathematics."
Emorimor Emolot, who steadfastly championed the initiative during his dialogue with the President, called the scholarships a "turning point" for the region. He articulated a vision to "raise the value of our children and position Teso as a hub of skilled aviators," fostering self-reliance and empowerment.
With the first cohort anticipated to enroll next year, the program addresses a decades-long call for equitable access to the Soroti Flying School. For a region that has watched aircraft soar overhead for generations, the opportunity to command the cockpit signals not just profound local pride, but a genuine flight path to economic empowerment and a brighter future for Teso.
