Concerned Parents Teachers Association (PTA) at Old Kampala Secondary School has raised alarms about a series of serious allegations against the school’s administration. In a letter addressed to the Ministry of Education, the PTA outlined what they describe as a growing crisis that threatens both the quality of education and the management of school resources.
The PTA’s most pressing concern is teacher absenteeism and part-time employment, which they claim is severely impacting students’ learning experiences. According to the letter, a staggering 70% of government-employed teachers at Old Kampala SSS divide their time between the school and other commitments, including teaching at other institutions or running personal businesses.
Among those named by the PTA are Nakiyaga Dorothy, a lecturer at Mountains of the Moon University in Fort Portal, and Mr. Kato Dennis, the Dean of Old Kampala SSS who also teaches at Mutesa Royal University. The PTA claims that these teachers, and others, appear to be under the protection of the head teacher, who is accused of turning a blind eye to their divided loyalties and lack of commitment to the students.
In addition to teacher absenteeism, the PTA raises serious concerns about the school’s financial management. They allege that 108 million UGX intended for repairs and maintenance was spent with no clear accountability or visible improvements to the school’s infrastructure. Furthermore, they claim the head teacher has been receiving unauthorized monthly allowances of 5.5 million UGX in addition to their government salary and board top-up. The PTA also accuses the head teacher of misappropriating 35 million UGX meant for purchasing sports equipment, with no evidence that any equipment was bought.
The financial concerns continue with allegations that the head teacher has been receiving cash payments for various school-related transactions, which violates the Education Act of 2008. Examples include cash payments from student trips, rent, and the hiring of school property, including a recent instance where the head teacher accepted cash from a Muslim community group that used the school’s sports grounds. The PTA further claims that money from a two-week youth camp held at the school was also paid in cash and never deposited into the school’s accounts.
The PTA also highlights the loss of over 125 tablets in December 2024, despite prior warnings from the former head teacher about theft prevention. They express shock at the head teacher’s intention to re-employ Mr. Kamwenzi, a former lab attendant who was dismissed after being suspected of involvement in the theft of computers in 2023. Mr. Kamwenzi still has a pending criminal file related to the incident, which has raised concerns among PTA members about his potential re-employment.
The PTA points to alleged misconduct by some teachers, including Musulo Dickson, who they claim forged appointment letters and was dismissed from service. Despite this, Musulo remains in school housing, with the head teacher reportedly promising to re-employ him as a private teacher if the Ministry insists on his dismissal.
The PTA’s letter paints a troubling picture of mismanagement and ethical breaches at Old Kampala SSS. They are calling for immediate intervention by the Ministry of Education to investigate these allegations and take swift action to address the issues. The future of Old Kampala SSS, and the education of its students, may depend on the Ministry’s response to this urgent situation.
