Tensions are running high as the position of Kakira Secondary School’s headteacher, Emilly Auma, remains uncertain. A recent turn of events has led to protests and disputes involving parents, students, teachers, and school management. These disputes prompted concerns and a planned march to the head offices of Kakira Sugar Limited (KSL), the organization backing the school.
In September, Ms. Emilly Auma was placed on paid leave due to disagreements with her deputies and teachers. However, she was recently redeployed to KSL’s Education office, which triggered further unrest. The Human Resources department at Kakira Sugar Limited cited the high cost of terminating her contract, as she demanded a significant payout of Shs90 million for mutual separation.
The prospect of Ms. Auma’s “reinstatement” led to calls for a protest march, which was prevented by some of the school’s old students, who urged teachers and student leaders to remain patient. They emphasized the potential negative impact on ongoing national examinations, especially for the S4 candidates.
Ms. Auma took over as headteacher in late 2021, becoming the highest-paid headteacher in Kakira’s history with a gross salary of Shs4.4 million and various amenities. However, her efforts to impose her authority by implementing changes from her previous teaching experiences led to conflicts with her deputies, teachers, and students.
The disputes escalated with Ms. Auma serving memos to her deputies, alleging insubordination and various offenses. Several teachers resigned, including her deputy Maria Nabwire, and others were demoted. Toxic work environment concerns were also raised.
Allegations of Ms. Auma banning prayers and recommending the sacking of several teachers further fueled the conflicts. The situation worsened when KSL advertised teaching positions and the director of studies position, jeopardizing job security for teachers and raising timing concerns due to the proximity to national exams.
The irregular preparation of the job advertisement and disputes within KSL management regarding its legitimacy added to the turmoil. Ms. Auma’s paid leave was ordered by the General Manager, who also recalled the Science teachers who had resigned. He communicated that Ms. Auma would not return to her position as head teacher and sought to engage her for a separation agreement. However, Ms. Auma, backed by HR Mataka, insisted on a severance equivalent to two years of her gross salary.
HR Mataka argued that termination would be expensive, leading to Ms. Auma’s reinstatement in a nondescript position in KSL’s education office. This decision further intensified tensions among the school’s staff.
The disputes and tensions are partly attributed to a perceived weak board that allegedly failed to address concerns raised in a report from a prior investigation, according to PTA Chairman Stephen Awile.
