RUKIGA – The Rukiga District LC V Chairperson, Simon Mutebi Rwamagyenda, has threatened to arrest individuals found involved in an extortion scam that solicits bribes to fast-track teacher appointments and placements on the government payroll.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The district boss sounded the alarm during the ongoing district-wide distribution of iron sheets, a government initiative aimed at rehabilitating classrooms and administrative blocks across all schools in Rukiga.
Chairperson Mutebi expressed deep disappointment over reports that many head teachers, deputies, and classroom teachers have spent years in acting positions while waiting for their appointment letters.
He noted that some educators were allegedly asked to pay money to receive their appointment letters, something he alleged has left those who cannot afford the fees stuck without formal appointments.
“Many head teachers, deputies, and classroom teachers are spending years in acting roles while awaiting appointment letters. It is disappointing that some were allegedly asked to pay money to get appointment letters, leaving those who cannot afford the fees stuck,” Mutebi lamented.
The Chairperson firmly warned that such corrupt practices will not be tolerated and that any district official or school administrator found demanding money for appointments will face the full force of the law.
The Chairperson confirmed that the distribution of the substantial consignment of iron sheets is being conducted with strict transparency, based squarely on the specific needs and requirements of each individual school.
Rukiga District Education Officer (DEO) Christopher Ndyabegyera outlined that the appointment of head teachers requires holding a bachelor’s degree in primary education and 3–5 years of experience, while deputies require a bachelor’s degree or postgraduate certificate.
Ndyabegyera confirmed that the district has a full roster of approved deputy head teachers across its 71 government-aided schools, though some head teachers and other educators are still under assessment.
“For one to qualify as a Headteacher, they must hold a minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a Primary specialization, and have at least 3 to 5 years of experience. For Deputy Headteacher, the minimum requirement is a bachelor’s degree or postgraduate certificate. However, some head teachers and other educators are still undergoing assessment for final approval,” Ndyabegyera noted.
The DEO also announced that Rukiga has achieved full center number coverage, allowing final-year candidates to sit for their national exams at their home schools instead of traveling long distances.
The Rukiga District Speaker, Hon. Akampurira Oscar, echoed the Chairperson’s sentiments, emphasizing that the district has established a standard framework to ensure all schools undergo proper upgrades and renovations.
He clarified that the iron sheets are not merely a handout but a strategic intervention to rehabilitate dilapidated classrooms and administrative blocks, ultimately creating a conducive learning environment for students and a dignified workspace for administrators.
“We have put in place clear guidelines to make sure all schools are properly upgraded and renovated. The iron sheets are not just a giveaway but a planned effort to repair run-down classrooms and office blocks, so that students can learn in a good environment and administrators can work in decent spaces,” said Speaker Oscar Akampurira.
At Kakatunda Progressive Primary School in Muhanga Town Council, the head teacher, Josephat Nkwasibwe, expressed profound gratitude upon receiving 275 iron sheets. He revealed that the materials will be used to roof six classroom blocks and an administrative block currently undergoing renovation.
Josephat noted that the rehabilitation works are being spearheaded by former students (old boys and girls) and parents, and the government’s support has significantly alleviated the financial burden, allowing them to redirect funds to other critical needs.
Meanwhile, at Rushoroza Primary School, the School Management Committee Chairperson, Robert Niwagaba, noted that they urgently required iron sheets to complete a roof on an administrative block that is in its final stage of construction.
He confirmed receiving 70 iron sheets from the district government, while the school also celebrated the recent construction of a boys’ toilet and the attainment of a center number, allowing Primary Seven candidates to sit for their exams at the school.
However, Rushoroza Primary School head teacher Protia Atukunda decried the lack of electricity at the school, which she said delays project completion, appealing for immediate intervention from authorities.
“The lack of electricity at our school is seriously affecting the quality of education we deliver and is also slowing down the completion of key projects to the required standard. We appeal to the district leadership to immediately intervene and assist us,” stated Atukunda.
The Chairperson’s inspection and distribution tour was conducted in the company of a high-level delegation, including the area LC V Councilors, the Assistant RDC Gibbs Barigayomwe, DEC members, the district engineer, and other technical education officials.
About the Author
