Seed School Jobs Spark Controversy As MPs Demand Fair Recruitment

Caretaker head teachers across Uganda’s seed secondary schools are grappling with uncertainty as lawmakers urge them to formally compete for advertised positions under the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfer (UGIFT) program. 

The recent call for applications by the Education Service Commission (ESC) has ignited a national debate on balancing merit-based recruitment with the contributions of the teachers who have led these schools from their inception.

Seed schools, a flagship initiative under UGIFT, were established to expand access to quality secondary education in underserved and rural areas. 

Phase two of the program saw the operationalization of 76 seed schools nationwide, many of which were initially run by communities that appointed teachers and head teachers to guide their development.

The government later assumed full management of the schools and now seeks to formalize leadership positions through competitive recruitment. 

The petitioners, led by Mr. Stanley Ochom, Head Teacher of Loroo Seed Secondary School in Amudat District, argue that they have been instrumental in running the schools under challenging conditions, often working voluntarily for over seven years. 

They cite a memorandum of understanding with district local governments, which they claim guaranteed them internal recruitment opportunities when the government officially took over the schools.

^{The petitioners, led by Mr. Stanley Ochom Speaking—Photo Credits, NV}

“Many of us have sacrificed and endured immense hardship to ensure the success of these schools. It would be unfair to disqualify us now after we have given so much to these institutions,” Ochom stated while addressing the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Sports on 27 January 2025.

The ESC’s advertisement limits eligibility to teachers on the government payroll, which excludes most sitting caretakers. 

This condition has raised concerns of discrimination and prompted the Uganda Local Government Association (ULGA) to advocate for inclusive recruitment.

“This policy excludes experienced and qualified sitting head teachers simply because they are not on the payroll. We propose that anyone with the required qualifications and experience, regardless of payroll status, be allowed to compete,” said ULGA Vice President for the Central Region, Mr. Ibrahim Kitata.

Lawmakers have offered varying opinions on how to resolve the issue, with many urging the government to ensure a fair and transparent process.

Hon. Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, Chairperson of the Committee on Local Government, encouraged the petitioners to remain confident if they meet the qualifications outlined in the advertisement. 

“If there are specific elements in the advertisement that you feel are unfair, please highlight them so they can be addressed,” he said.

Hon. Janet Okori-Moe, the Abim District Woman MP, challenged the petitioners to justify their request for affirmative action. 

“Why should you be given preference over other Ugandans who are equally qualified? What recruitment process do you propose that is fair and merit-based?” she questioned.

Hon. Patrick Isingoma, the Hoima East Division MP, cautioned against disrupting the current progress of the schools. 

“The government must ensure fairness, but we cannot ignore the contributions of these teachers who have nurtured these schools from scratch,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Hon. Atkins Katusabe (Bukonjo County West) advocated for a middle ground to protect the petitioners’ contributions while upholding government recruitment policies. 

“These teachers have built trust and stability in these schools. Parliament must find a solution that recognizes their efforts while adhering to merit-based principles,” he said.

^{The Committee interfaces with petitioning caretaker head teachers.}

Seed schools across Uganda, particularly in remote regions such as West Nile and Karamoja, have been vital in increasing access to secondary education. However, the current recruitment process has created fears among sitting head teachers that their experience and sacrifices will be disregarded.

The petitioners argue that the schools’ progress could be jeopardized if the government proceeds without considering their contributions. 

They warn of potential disruptions, including the loss of critical learner assessments required by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).

Ochom suggested that recruitment be conducted at the school level, as was done since the schools’ inception. 

“This would ensure fairness and retain the institutional knowledge that is essential for the continued success of these schools,” he added.

The debate has brought national attention to the tension between inclusivity and standardized recruitment in Uganda’s public service. 

The outcome will likely have far-reaching implications for the education sector, particularly in how Uganda balances merit-based processes with the contributions of those who have served in an informal capacity.

Editor’s Note:

As the conversation continues, Daily West Nile invites readers to weigh in on this national issue. 

Should the government prioritize affirmative action for sitting caretakers or maintain strict recruitment standards? 

Share your thoughts in the comment section and join the discussion.

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Source: POU