In a heated session on Tuesday, 28th January 2025, Members of Parliament cautioned the Ministries of Education and Sports and Public Service against recruiting head teachers and their deputies for seed secondary schools until Parliament addresses a petition filed by caretaker head teachers.
The petitioners, comprising caretakers from 76 seed secondary schools established under the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers Program (UGIFT) phase two, raised concerns about the internal job advertisements, which they say unfairly disqualify them.
They are calling for affirmative action in the recruitment process, citing their dedication and experience.
The Minister of State for Education (Sports), Hon. Peter Ogwang, defended the urgency of recruitment, highlighting that schools are set to reopen on 3rd February 2025.
“As we discuss these issues, we have to appreciate that government is under obligation to have these schools open with staff effective 03 February 2025,” Ogwang said.
However, MPs were firm in their stance. Hon. Joseph Ssewungu (NUP, Kalungu West County) stated that any recruitment before the petition is resolved would be null and void.
“Parliament will make recommendations, and anything done outside these recommendations will not suffice,” he warned.
Bukonjo County West MP, Hon. Atkins Katusabe, added weight to this by cautioning that ministers would be held personally accountable if recruitment proceeded prematurely.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports, Kedrace Turyagenda, reassured MPs that no recruitment had taken place yet and sought Parliament’s approval to move forward.
During the session, MPs advocated for prioritizing the sitting head teachers and deputies, who have already demonstrated their competence and commitment, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Hon. Abdul Mutumba (NRM, Kiboga West County) pointed out the success of the recruitment process during UGIFT phase one, where many caretakers were considered.
"Phase one recruitment was done at the schools, and many caretakers were considered. Those schools are doing well. What is the problem now?" he questioned.
Echoing similar sentiments, Hon. Philliphs Lokwang (NRM, Napore West County) emphasized the need for retaining committed educators in challenging regions like Karamoja, where teachers often abandon their posts after being added to the payroll.
The Minister of State for Local Government, Hon. Victoria Rusoke, supported prioritizing the sitting head teachers and deputies, acknowledging their hard work and dedication.
She remarked, “They have upgraded, worked hard, and are still committed. My sincere appeal is that the status quo is upheld, but those who do not qualify will not get the jobs.”
Adding to this, the Minister of State for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hon. Kyofatagobye Kabuye, insisted on the merit of these caretakers.
“They have degrees; none of them is coming with a certificate. The Education Service Commission should go to these schools and recruit,” he said.
Minister for Public Service, Hon. Muruli Mukasa, assured the committee that the ministry had no objection to giving priority to the sitting head teachers, provided they met the qualifications.
“Our guidance is that the laid-down procedures for appointment, including the qualification requirements, should not be compromised,” Mukasa said.
As the clock ticks toward the reopening date of 3rd February 2025, Parliament remains firm that no recruitment should take place before resolving the petition. The plight of the caretaker head teachers now rests in the hands of lawmakers, as the nation watches closely.
Stay tuned to Daily West Nile for more updates on this developing story.
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Source: POU
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