The Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Markson Oboth Oboth, has maintained that anti-corruption inspections in schools will continue despite concerns that they are disrupting learning during the final term. Local government leaders had raised concerns about the impact of these inspections on teaching, particularly in candidate classes preparing for their final examinations. The leaders, under the Uganda Local Governments Association (ULGA), met with the Speaker ahead of their next regional engagements in Tororo.
The concerns were led by PAC Local Government Committee Chairperson Betty Nambooze and other leaders, who reported that some teachers have deserted schools during the operations, leaving learners, especially finalists, affected at a critical time in the academic year. They proposed that similar inspections be conducted during the first term. The leaders expressed worry that the inspections, conducted by Local Government Minister Balam Barugahara, are affecting several schools, particularly those with candidates preparing for exams.
Minister Balam Barugahara's inspections have been ongoing, with some areas, like the East, hosting the minister for the operations. However, the activities in schools are still impeding on final touches of students preparing for exams. Many teachers have deserted schools, affecting several institutions, especially those with candidates.
The Speaker, however, emphasized that the fight against corruption must continue, and those found to be innocent should be cleared, while those involved in corruption must be held accountable. He acknowledged the concerns but insisted that the operations must go on.
Speaker Oboth stated that he has received numerous phone calls regarding the issue, but he remains committed to the fight against corruption. As the Speaker, he believes it is essential to distinguish themselves from corrupt practices and not allow little money to cover up corrupt activities.
The Uganda Local Governments Association (ULGA) leaders, led by Mr. Kalooli, had suggested that the inspections would be less disruptive if conducted during the first term of the academic year. However, the Speaker's position is that the fight against corruption should not be delayed.
In conclusion, the anti-corruption inspections in schools will continue, despite concerns from local government leaders about their impact on learning during the final term. The Speaker's stance is that the fight against corruption must continue, and those involved must be held accountable, while innocent individuals will be cleared.
Key points
- The Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Markson Oboth Oboth, has rejected calls to suspend anti-corruption inspections in schools.
- Local government leaders expressed concerns that the inspections are disrupting learning during the final term.
- The Speaker emphasized that the fight against corruption must continue, and those involved must be held accountable.
