By Emmanuel Omona PaOkech

In a bid to promote education in Gulu district, the Councilor in charge of education and Health, John Okwonga has announced plans to arrest and penalize students who are found betting during class hours.

Addressing the press today ,Okwonga noted that  there is a great number of  students escaping from school to participate in  betting.He cautioned that  if not stopped, many of the students will soon leave school before completing Ordinary level.

He said that they have already made arrangements with the police and other authorities to begin moving in the betting companies in Gulu town.

Okwonga also called on parents to follow up their children at school  so that they can  know how they are performing.

Nabinson James Kidega the Resident District Commissioner for Gulu late last year urged the betting companies in Gulu to avoid entertaining youth who are below 18 years in their business.

Kidega also threatened to close the betting companies who continue to allow youth who are below 18 years.

Gulu town has over 5 betting companies.