By James Alomu

SOROTI:Sleepless nights have finally paid off for the administration of Soroti Secondary School following the arrival of a new Shs629 million bus secured through a fundraising initiative spearheaded by the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA).

The bus, registration number UA 014FH, marks a major milestone for the school, one of the leading secondary schools in Eastern Uganda and a prominent institution in the Teso Sub-region.

Receiving the bus, Headteacher Wilfred Oluka Okeriau expressed relief and gratitude, saying he had endured numerous sleepless nights while working with the PTA, parents, staff and other stakeholders to ensure that the long-awaited vehicle became a reality.

Okeriau commended the PTA for its commitment and determination to support the school, describing the association's contribution as exceptional.

“This is a unique PTA. As a school, we appreciate the tremendous work they have done to ensure that this bus finally arrives at the school,” Okeriau said.

He said the new bus would significantly improve transportation at the school and support students and staff during academic trips, sports competitions, educational tours and other co-curricular activities.

According to the headteacher, the acquisition of the bus will also reduce the school's dependence on hired transport and provide a more reliable and convenient means of transportation for school programmes.

The Shs629 million bus comes equipped with modern installations, including security cameras and other features designed to enhance the safety and comfort of passengers.

PTA Chairperson Vincent Enomu said the association's work was far from over, promising that more development initiatives would be pursued to improve the school.

Enomu said the PTA would continue mobilising resources for the institution and disclosed that the association was already looking beyond the newly acquired bus, with ambitions to secure a second one in the future.

“We are going to do more tremendous work for the school. If God continues to keep us around, we will start pushing for a second bus,” Enomu said.

He described the new vehicle as a unique addition to the school's fleet, particularly because of its modern safety and technological features.

The acquisition is being celebrated as a major achievement for Soroti Secondary School and a demonstration of what can be achieved when parents, teachers, school administrators and other stakeholders work together towards a common goal.

For the school community, the arrival of the bus represents more than just a new means of transport. It is the culmination of years of effort, fundraising and commitment, with the administration now hoping to use the vehicle to further strengthen the school's academic and co-curricular programmes.