The Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) has expressed concerns over the methods used by Minister for Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, during his inspections of government schools. UNATU General Secretary Filbert Baguma stated that while the union supports the fight against corruption, the enforcement should follow established procedures. He argued that public officers are being accused and humiliated before investigations are complete, damaging their dignity and professional standing.
Minister Barugahara has been conducting inspections in several districts, checking pupil enrolment figures, illegal fees, and management of Universal Primary Education and Universal Secondary Education funds. Some visits have led to arrests and investigations after discrepancies were found between school records and physical headcounts. This has raised questions about the handling of administrative procedures and the need for a better understanding of district education office protocols.
Tororo District Chairperson, John Okea, cited a recent case where Barugahara ordered the arrest of education officials over alleged inflation of pupil numbers. However, Okea explained that the district had already verified enrolment, informed the Ministry of Education, and reallocated surplus funds according to procedure. He argued that the minister’s aggressive approach makes it difficult for officials to explain administrative procedures.
The dispute also covers parental contributions in government schools. Baguma noted that schools rely on parents to meet some running costs not covered by government funding. The minister’s stand against unauthorised charges has left headteachers unsure how to meet these costs without risking arrest or disciplinary action. This has created uncertainty and potentially affected the quality of education.
Government maintains that UPE and USE schools must not impose fees on learners and has stepped up inspections to identify schools collecting unauthorised charges or mismanaging public funds. However, schools and education leaders argue that government grants do not cover every operational need. In some schools, headteachers have laid off PTA-paid teachers and stopped all fees, resulting in gaps in lessons.
The inspections have exposed a wider problem, highlighting the need for a comprehensive review of the education sector. Baguma called for a holistic approach to address the issues rather than politicising them. He emphasised that ultimately, the child is affected by the challenges in the education system. A balanced solution is required to ensure that schools can operate effectively while maintaining accountability.
The controversy surrounding Minister Barugahara’s inspections has sparked a national conversation about the best way to address corruption and ensure effective management of education funds. Key stakeholders, including UNATU and district officials, are advocating for a more nuanced approach that takes into account the complexities of administrative procedures and the needs of schools.
Key points
- UNATU criticizes Minister Balaam Barugahara's methods during school inspections.
- The inspections have exposed a wider problem of inadequate government funding for schools.
- The controversy has sparked a national conversation about addressing corruption and managing education funds effectively.
