Wobulenzi Public Primary School in Luwero district is facing the risk of being sold due to a 65 million Shillings debt owed to Equity Bank. The situation has caused distress among parents and community leaders.
Summary: Key Dates and Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2019 | Former headteacher acquires 100 million Shillings loan from Equity Bank. |
| November 10, 2023 | Equity Bank places a notice on the school gate, claiming ownership. |
| Crisis Meeting | Luwero Resident District Commissioner, Police, and school administration collaborate on a solution. |
The predicament began in 2019 when the former headteacher, Richard Mukasa, secured a loan of 100 million Shillings from Equity Bank, Luwero branch. The loan was purportedly intended for the purchase of a plot and the construction of staff houses. To secure the loan, Mukasa used the government school’s land title.
However, the repayment period has lapsed, and the school administration has failed to settle 65 million Shillings of the debt. Equity Bank took a decisive step on November 10, 2023, by placing a notice on the school gate, asserting that the school is now under the bank’s ownership due to the outstanding debt.
Michael Kintu, the current headteacher, attributes the payment delay to disruptions caused by COVID-19 and complaints of irregularities in the loan application and utilization by the former administration.
Efforts to address the situation are underway, with Kintu revealing that they have petitioned the Resident District Commissioner and Chief Administrator Officer to intervene and prevent the school’s takeover by the bank.
Moses Ssebalamu, the LCIII Chairperson of Wobulenzi Town Council, alleges fraudulent acquisition of the loan by the former headteacher and members of the School Management Committee. Ssebalamu points out irregularities, including the loan approval meeting occurring after the loan had already been acquired, and funds not being accounted for properly.
To address the crisis, Richard Bwabye, the Luwero Resident District Commissioner, held a meeting with the Police and school administration. The resolution includes securing a court order compelling Equity Bank to surrender the land title for police investigation and seeking a court order to block the school’s sale.
Bwabye further discloses that the State Attorney advised forwarding the matter to the Anti-Corruption Court, where the former headteacher and committee members could face charges of abuse of office.
Brenda Nabukenya, the Luwero District Woman Member of Parliament, expresses surprise at the revelation and urges the district to ensure all implicated individuals face prosecution. Meanwhile, Amos Kalema, the Former Chairperson of the School Management Committee, denies applying for the loan, claiming his signature was forged.
Despite attempts to contact Richard Mukasa for comment on the matter, he remains unavailable. The situation continues to unfold as local authorities and stakeholders work towards a resolution to safeguard the future of Wobulenzi Public Primary School.