Mr. Agaba Chleophas, the new Headteacher of St. Gerald’s Secondary School (SS) Nyakibare in Rukungiri district, is facing allegations of terminating the contracts of over 13 staff members without proper notice or procedure.
According to a source who spoke to The Ankole Times on condition of anonymity, the Headteacher failed to maintain the student population inherited from the previous administration, with enrollment dropping from 1,000 to 500 by the end of last year.
The source further claimed that teachers have gone unpaid for three months, including the festive season and the final three months of 2023. Additionally, rumors suggest that Mr. Chleophas is planning to replace dismissed staff with his former colleagues from his previous school.
These rumors stem from the creation of a new WhatsApp group by the Headteacher, allegedly containing only the teachers he intends to retain. Information about the dismissals was reportedly leaked from this group to the excluded teachers via the old WhatsApp group.
“Our other colleagues are also worried because they are not sure whether they will survive,” the source stated, expressing concerns about job security among the remaining staff.
When contacted by The Ankole Times, Mr. Chleophas denied all allegations of dismissals, stating, “I have just heard this from you, and how can I chase teachers without an official letter?” He also denied creating a new WhatsApp group or having any say in salary matters.
The Ankole Times will continue to investigate this story and provide updates as they become available.
