Serere District Woman MP and State Minister for Fisheries, Hellen Adoa, has assured students under her education sponsorship programme that her recent electoral loss will not affect their studies or financial support.
Speaking during an interaction with beneficiaries at Halcyon High School Soroti Campus, Adoa emphasised that her commitment to educating children from Teso and beyond predates her entry into elective politics and will continue regardless of her current political status.
“I want you to concentrate on your studies without fear,” Adoa told the students. “Long before I joined active politics, I was already sponsoring vulnerable children in Teso and other parts of the country. Leadership positions may change, but my commitment to education remains firm.”
Her remarks come in the wake of the recently concluded Serere District Woman MP elections, in which she did not secure victory.
However, the minister sought to dispel concerns among parents and learners that the outcome could disrupt the sponsorship programme that has supported dozens of students over the years.
Adoa reiterated that education is a long-term investment that should not be subjected to political cycles. She said the programme was founded on personal conviction and a desire to uplift communities through academic empowerment.
“Politics is seasonal, but education is permanent,” she said. “I will continue standing with you because this is a personal mission to see our children succeed.”
Over the years, Adoa has been known in Serere District and the wider Teso sub-region for supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly girls and orphans.
Beneficiaries have attended various secondary schools and institutions of higher learning, with some already completing their studies and joining the workforce.
At the Soroti campus event, several students expressed gratitude for the assurance, noting that uncertainty following the election had caused anxiety among some beneficiaries.
“We were worried about what would happen next,” one student said. “But hearing directly from her gives us confidence to focus on our books.”
School administrators at Halcyon Soroti Campus commended Adoa for her continued dedication to education. They described the sponsorship initiative as life-changing for many families that would otherwise struggle to keep their children in school.
Education stakeholders in the Teso sub-region have often cited financial hardship as one of the leading causes of school dropout, particularly at the secondary level.
According to data from Uganda’s education sector reports in recent years, transition rates from primary to secondary school remain a challenge in rural districts, largely due to fees and related scholastic costs.
Initiatives such as Adoa’s sponsorship programme have played a crucial role in bridging that gap for vulnerable learners.
Political analysts note that while electoral setbacks can sometimes affect personal or community projects, Adoa’s public commitment signals her intention to maintain a strong presence in community development regardless of holding political office.
In her closing remarks, Adoa urged the students to remain disciplined and work hard, reminding them that academic success is the greatest way to honour the support they receive.
“Your responsibility is to excel,” she said. “Make good use of this opportunity. Tomorrow, you will also be in positions to support others.”
Her message was received with applause, signalling relief and renewed determination among the beneficiaries as they continue with the academic term.
