Kampala, Uganda – The Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of Old Kampala Secondary School has raised serious allegations of tribalism and bribery influencing the selection of the school’s next head teacher. In a strongly worded letter to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports, the PTA voiced its “deep concern” over two names currently being considered, claiming that previous warnings about unsuitable candidates have been ignored.
The letter, signed by Mabira Shafic, the Vice Chairman of the PTA, states that the current Head Teacher, Mr. Mbalule Arthur, has “done more harm than good to the school” and is allegedly boasting about two potential successors: Mr. Wateeta George and Mr. Kabuye Abubaker.
The PTA asserts that the Ministry of Education has failed to conduct proper due diligence on head teachers posted to Old Kampala SSS.
The PTA claims they had previously investigated Mr. Mbalule Arthur in 2024 and advised the Ministry against his posting, an admonition they say was disregarded based on the recommendation of Mr. Magnot, the acting Director of Education at KCCA. “The same procedures they used last year, unfortunately, are again being followed to post a new Head Teacher at Old Kampala SSS,” the letter states.
Concerns Over Proposed Candidates:
The PTA outlined specific concerns regarding the two proposed candidates:
- Mr. Kabuye Abubaker: The PTA alleges that Mr. Kabuye, who is reportedly two years from retirement, has “bribed some commissioners worth forty million shillings” to secure the posting.
He is also described as a “long friend” of Mr. Tom Balojja, the current Chairman of the Board of Governors, who allegedly lobbied for Mr. Kabuye’s inclusion on the list sent to the Ministry. The PTA argues that posting a head teacher nearing retirement who has allegedly paid a bribe demonstrates a lack of commitment to the school’s long-term success.
2. Mr. Wateeta George: The letter claims that Mr. Mbalule Arthur has openly confirmed to some Old Kampala SSS staff from the Eastern region that Mr. Wateeta George, a fellow Musoga, is the “best choice to replace him to defend Easterners’ interests and also cover up all the hidden messes of him.” The PTA further alleges that Mr. Mbalule boasts of highly connected individuals within the Ministry of Education and Sports, including Madam Jane Agau (Under Secretary), Mr. Musingo, and Mr. Richard, all reportedly from the Eastern region, who are “ready to defend the interests of Eastern region.”
The PTA explicitly cautioned the Ministry of Education and Sports, stating, “we are not ready to welcome any one of the above two names.” They implored the Ministry to select a candidate “of good background and a person of integrity,” emphasizing that “Old Kampala SSS is not a dumping site for every head teacher who is about to retire, corrupt, and tribalistic.”
The letter concluded by noting that a copy of their previous letter from 2024, cautioning the Ministry about Mr. Mbalule Arthur, was attached. The PTA affirmed they are “closely following up on this matter.”
Copies of the letter were sent to key officials including the Inspector General of Government, the Minister of Education and Sports, the Minister of Higher Education, the Lord Mayor, the Executive Director KCCA, and the Commissioner Secondary Schools, indicating the seriousness with which the PTA views this issue.
