Published on 28/01/2025
Parliament has directed the Ministries of Education, Sports and Public Service to halt recruiting head teachers and deputies in seed secondary schools.
This follows the petition from caretaker head teachers seeking clarity on their status. Lawmakers emphasize resolving the matter to ensure fairness and transparency in the recruitment process.
The caretaker head teachers and deputies of 76 seed secondary schools under the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers Program (UGIFT) phase two, petitioned Parliament seeking affirmative action in the recruitment process after their jobs were internally advertised.
According to the petitioners, the advertisement automatically disqualifies them.
Appearing before the Committee of Education and Sports on Tuesday, 28 January 2025, the Minister of State for Education (Sports), Hon. Peter Ogwang said that schools are re-opening on 03 February 2025 and there is an urgent need to formally recruit the teachers.
“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.
Hon. Joseph Ssewungu (NUP, Kalungu West County) however, said that any recruitment before the petition is disposed of will be null and void. “Parliament will make recommendations and anything done outside these recommendations will not suffice,” he said.
Bukonjo County West MP, Hon. Atkins Katusabe said that should the recruitment happen before the petition is concluded, the ministers will be personally held accountable.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Sports, Kedrace Turyagenda reassured the lawmakers that no recruitment has been done yet.
“We are asking Parliament to grant us a go ahead to recruit,” she said.
The legislators also urged the ministries to give priority to sitting head teachers and deputies, saying that there are some who qualify.
Hon. Abdul Mutumba (NRM, Kiboga West County) questioned why the ministries are not using recruitment guidelines that were followed during the UGIFT phase one recruitment.
“Phase one recruitment was done at the schools and many care takers were considered. Those schools are doing well, what is the problem with now?” said Mutumba.
Hon. Philliphs Lokwang (NRM, Napore West County) underscored the merit of considering the sitting head teachers and deputies saying that majority have proven their ability to work and live in hard to reach areas.
“Karamoja has suffered with uncommitted teachers who abandon their stations immediately after they are included in the payroll,” Lokwang said.
The Minister of State for Local Government, Hon. Victoria Rusoke concurred with the MPs on giving priority to the sitting teachers.
“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,” said Rusoke.
The Minister of State for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hon. Kyofatagobye Kabuye also agreed with Rusoke, saying, ‘they [Head teachers] have degrees, none of them is coming with a certificate. The Education Service Commission should go to these schools and recruit’.
The Minister for Public Service, Hon. Muruli Mukasa said that the ministry does not object to giving the sitting head teachers and deputies priority, as long as they qualify.
“Our guidance is that the laid down procedures for appointment including the qualification requirements should not be compromised,” said Muruli Mukasa.
