Libino Byamukama, Rubanda – The Rubanda District Primary Head Teachers Association, which oversees 110 schools, is on the verge of collapse due to religious differences between the Catholic and Anglican faiths.
This was revealed by Elly Mucunguzi, the Principal Assistant Secretary, who represented the Rubanda District Chief Administrative Officer three weeks ago while distributing more roofing materials and twin desks to schools.
Addressing head teachers and chairpersons of the PTAs at the district headquarters while distributing 1,645 pre-painted iron sheets with their 191 ridges, 202 kgs of nails, and 668 twin desks, Elly Mucunguzi said that the association held elections last year, and most of the positions were taken by the Protestants, leading to discontent among the Catholic head teachers who rejected the outcomes.
Mucunguzi said that shortly after the election, Catholic head teachers wrote a petitioning letter to the Rubanda District Chief Administrative Officer, informing him of their exit from the association, leaving it to the Protestants and Muslims.
He added that the district’s policy is to have uniform exams conducted in all the sub-counties and town councils within the district. However, one faction decided not to have their pupils sit for the district exams and chose to buy from another supplier, which is against the policy.
Mucunguzi also criticized a section of the technical staff, led by the Inspector of Schools, Bamunyangira Francis, commonly known as “BAMS,” for fueling divisions among the head teachers’ association.
He added that they are ready to dissolve the association if the issues are not resolved.
The Rubanda District Internal Security Officer, Michael Mwijukye, together with the Assistant RDC, Hillary Bindeeba, warned Bamunyangira Francis against sabotaging the association.
The Rubanda District LC5 Chairperson, Ampeire Stephen Kasyaba, challenged the teachers to behave maturely, stating he sees no reason for the association to be closed. Kasyaba said that the district would lose nothing if the association is abolished, emphasizing that the association is not bigger than the district.
Kasyaba added that he does not run the district based on Rushoroza and Rugarama. He further vowed to deal with any district technical staff who interfere with the association.
Tindiwegyi Bonny, the chairperson of the Rubanda District Primary Head Teachers Association, questioned where the differences are arising from, noting their patience and calm when the association was led by Catholics from 2015 up until last year when he was elected.
He added that the RDC intervened and provided guidelines they are currently following.
