Two Headteachers in Nakaseke Demoted for Poor PLE Performance, Nine Others Warned

Nakaseke district has demoted two headteachers to classroom teachers after failing to defend themselves over the poor performance of their candidates in their schools.

The Primary headteachers in trouble are from Bwami Buwome Primary School in Wayato sub-county and Lukyamuzi UMEA Primary School in Kito sub-county in Nakaseke district.

According to the results of the Primary Leaving Examinations, at least 253(4.6%) out of 5547 candidates who sat the examinations failed, and 102 candidates didn’t turn up in 2024.

At least 390 candidates passed in division one, 3280 candidates passed in division two,1085 candidates passed in division three and 437 candidates passed in division four.

Ignatius Koomu the LCV Chairman of Nakaseke district Ignatius Koomu said that although the number of candidates failing PLE dropped from 276 candidates (5.6%) to 253(4.6%), there are still concerns about the future of the few that don’t join secondary school.

Koomu said from the analysis of PLE results, at least 11 schools registered above 10% of candidates that failed and the headteachers were summoned on Tuesday to explain why they shouldn’t be disciplined over poor performance.

The worst-performing schools include Bwami Buwomi Primary where 59% failed, Nabiika UMEA PS where 30% of candidates failed, Lukyamuzi UMEA PS where 40% were ungraded and Kagango Mixed Primary School where 14% failed.

Others were Nakaseta Primary School, Kikamulo Church of Uganda P/S , Ssegalye P/S , Balattira, Bukalabi and Wakayamba P/S.

Koomu said that from the meeting, nine headteachers were excused after they defended themselves that they were new in the schools after the district posted them there following the dismissal of their predecessors in 2024 who were found with forged academic papers.

Koomu however said two headteachers of Bwami Buwome and Lukyamuzi UMEA failed to defend their poor performance hence the district resolved that they be demoted to the classroom as teachers as per council resolution.

“We warned the nine headteachers and excused them but we shall deal with them in 2026 in case they record cases of ungraded candidates,” Koomu said

He also noted that all 11 headteachers have been directed to register teachers whose subjects were poorly and submit their names to the district on Monday 17th February for further action.

“All those teachers whose subjects were poorly done will be submitted to the Education Department and District Service Commission to investigate whether they have genuine papers and are competent enough to teach learners to pass PLE. We are not going to relent in the fight against ungraded candidates because we believe everyone can pass irrespective of the grades” Koomu said.

The headteacher of Lukyamuzi Primary School blamed the poor performance on the lack of enough teachers and being away for the Hajj trip in Saudia Arabia but the defence was rejected.

Samuel Kitaka Olupot the headteacher of Bwami Buwome Primary School begged for forgiveness saying that the candidates who failed were from Maranatha Primary School a government school and only sat at the school's exam center.

"The 21 candidates that failed at my school were all from Maranatha Primary School who only sat our school. I registered only six candidates from my school who passed in divisions two and three. I admit that during UNEB registration I didn't identify them as candidates from another school and am sorry but I ask for forgiveness" Kitaka told URN.

They were all asked to go to the classroom and teach till a time when they were found fit to return to their positions.

In March 2024 Koomu and education officials administered mock examination teachers to 52 classroom teachers to test their competency to enable them to teach candidates to pass Primary Leaving Examinations.

But Koomu offered them a second chance to improve their performance or else face disciplinary actions in subsequent years. 

However, four teachers and UNATU filed a motion for judicial review at Luwero High Court saying that Koomu’s actions and district saying it the humiliating competence tests were illegal and could be used in subsequent proceedings to remove them from the service.

According to the hearing notice issued by Kenneth Tumwebaze the Assistant Registrar of Luwero High Court, Koomu has been directed to appear in court on 26th February 2025 at 9:00 am to defend himself in the case.

Koomu acknowledged receipt of the notice and said that he was ready to do so because his actions were within his mandate as the head of the district and supervisor of government staff.