Education authorities in Nakasongola District have summoned several teachers to address concerns about their absence on the first day of the third term. Sam Mbangire, the Nakasongola District Inspector of Schools, has expressed dismay over reports of teachers missing classes on Monday and summoned them to his office for an explanation.
On Monday, schools across the country officially reopened for the third term. While conducting inspections at several schools, Mbangire was surprised to find a significant number of teachers absent from their duty stations.
For example, at Kinoni Church of Uganda (CoU) Primary School in Kakooge Sub-County, Nakasongola, he learned from the head teacher that some teachers had not reported for duty. He instructed the head teacher and other school heads in the district to ensure that their staff was always present and fulfilling their teaching responsibilities.
In response to this situation, Mbangire has issued written summonses to all teachers who were absent, requesting their written explanations.
The issue of absenteeism among teachers continues to be a persistent problem in Nakasongola District, which has 144 Universal Primary Education (UPE) Schools spread across 15 sub-counties and town councils. In June 2022, Darius Nandinda, the then Nakasongola Resident District Commissioner (RDC), highlighted the government’s significant investment in infrastructure development but pointed out that school performance remained a challenge due to absentee head teachers who often delegate their responsibilities to classroom teachers while they engage in private businesses.
Nandinda also expressed concerns about the compromised School Management Committees (SMCs), responsible for supervising schools and reporting to the district. He called upon the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to enhance supervision and take appropriate action against head teachers who were not fulfilling their duties.
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