Kampala, Uganda – The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of Old Kampala Senior Secondary School has raised serious concerns regarding the management of the school under its current Head Teacher, Mr. Arthur Mbalule. In a letter addressed to Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Sports, the PTA outlines several troubling issues they believe are affecting the school’s integrity and reputation.
One of the most alarming issues the PTA raised is the failure to protect school property. According to the PTA, the school has suffered extensive damage to its infrastructure, including broken windows, damaged doors, and incidents of vandalism. In December 2024, the school lost 125 tablets worth an estimated 300 million shillings. These tablets, which had been kept in the Head Teacher’s office for security, were shifted to the school’s laboratory without any improvements to the security systems, despite previous warnings. The PTA believes the decision to move the tablets without sufficient protection ultimately led to their loss.
Additionally, conflicts with stakeholders have escalated under Mr. Mbalule’s leadership. The PTA claims that in late 2024, the Head Teacher instigated teachers to lodge complaints against the school’s Board of Governors in an attempt to discredit them. The PTA also alleges that the Head Teacher was actively trying to have the Board dissolved, despite being fully aware of the Education Act’s guidelines on the removal of Board members.
Another serious concern raised by the PTA is the unilateral expulsion of students. In November 2024, Mr. Mbalule reportedly expelled a number of students for corporal punishment without consulting the school’s Board, violating both the school’s regulations and the rights of the students involved. This situation was widely covered in the media and attracted police attention, further damaging the school’s image.
The PTA also claims that Mr. Mbalule has been involved in illegal dealings concerning school footballers. According to the letter, the Head Teacher transferred players to Bukedea Comprehensive School without the involvement of the Board of Governors. The PTA has attached a full investigation report from the Old Kampala Senior Secondary School’s Board of Governors’ Ad Hoc Committee on Sports to support these claims.
The PTA accuses Mr. Mbalule of tribalism in various aspects of school administration. They allege that he has replaced key staff members with individuals from his own region without valid reasons. Additionally, the PTA claims that the current procurement officer is a relative of the Head Teacher, and that Mr. Mbalule has refused to address issues surrounding an employee, Musulo Dickson, despite allegations of forgery related to appointment letters, citing their shared regional ties as the reason for his inaction.
Given these ongoing concerns, the PTA has called for immediate disciplinary action against Mr. Mbalule, including the possibility of suspension or dismissal from his position. They also recommend the appointment of a new Head Teacher with a longer term of service, preferably six years or more, to help restore the school’s integrity.
The PTA expressed confidence that taking these steps would help safeguard the reputation of Old Kampala Senior Secondary School and improve its administration.
