Founded in 1994 by residents, the school was established to address the lack of secondary education in the area.
Parents
and leaders are protesting the government’s decision to
dismiss long-serving teachers during a recruitment exercise for Nakitoma
Secondary School in Nakitoma Sub-County, Nakasongola District.
Founded in
1994 by residents, the school was established to address the lack of secondary
education in the area.
Over the
years, the school has relied heavily on parental support to pay its 20
teachers.
Recently,
the government took over the school as part of the Seed School program.
James Semyalo, the Chairperson of the Board of
Governors, expressed disappointment upon learning that only one of the many
teachers who have served the school for many years was shortlisted by the
Public Service Ministry.
Semyalo
explained that they had expected the government to prioritise the teachers,
considering their dedication and service under difficult conditions since the
school’s inception.
Protesters
held placards bearing messages such as “Please Give Our Teachers a Chance” and
“We Need the School to Be Grant-Aided, As Previously Requested.”
Semyalo
added that the school currently has over 250 students.
He noted
that the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic left parents unable to
continue supporting the school financially, particularly in paying teacher
salaries.
They have requested government support for infrastructure development and staff
remuneration.
He
emphasised that they had not requested a complete overhaul of the school,
which, according to him, has now been done.
Nakasongola
District LC V Chairman, Sam Kigula, expressed his disappointment, recalling a
promise made by the Prime Minister during a recent visit—that teachers from the
area would be prioritised.
He
lamented that the current actions contradict that assurance.
Nakasongola District Chief Administrative Officer,
Aggrey Muramira, urged parents and local leaders to trust the system and accept
the ongoing changes, noting that the Ministry of Public Service is handling the
matter.
Bernard Bakalu
Freelancer