By Mulengera Reporters
The recruitment of teachers for 76 seed secondary schools has sparked a standoff between the government and caretaker teachers, raising concerns over the assessment of more than 22,000 learners. Caretaker teachers, who have been working on a volunteer basis, warn that their exclusion from the recruitment process could disrupt the continuous assessment system required by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), potentially affecting students’ final scores in national exams.
This warning was issued by Stanley Ochom, National Chairperson of Caretakers Head Teachers of Community Seed Secondary Schools, during a parliamentary hearing on January 27, 2025. Appearing before the Joint Committee on Education and Local Government, Ochom cautioned that failing to prioritize the current volunteer teachers could have dire consequences for students, parents, and the affected communities.
“All sitting teachers in these 76 operational seed schools will abandon their work since they will have lost trust and hope in the recruitment process. Without them, the continuous assessment records for learners will be lost, affecting their final national exam scores. These schools have made significant progress academically and in enrollment, which we do not want to jeopardize.”
Caretaker Teachers Demand Special Consideration
Ochom’s remarks followed an earlier petition to Speaker Anita Among on November 25, 2024, in which the caretaker teachers demanded special consideration in the recruitment exercise. They proposed that recruitment be handled at the school level, as has been the practice since 2017, rather than through a national-level process overseen by the Education Service Commission (ESC).
“The Education Service Commission should allow a minimum qualification of a Bachelor’s Degree in Education for caretaker head teachers, since they have lacked the time and financial resources to pursue further studies. Once recruited, they can be supported to upgrade their qualifications while on payroll,” Ochom argued.
The teachers also questioned why the Ministry of Education had deviated from its earlier position of prioritizing sitting staff for school-based recruitment. Ochom emphasized that the promise of retention had motivated teachers to continue working despite hardships, making the sudden policy shift unfair and unjust to those who had served as volunteers for over seven years.
Gov’t Justifies National-Level Recruitment
In response, State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang defended the decision to centralize the recruitment process, citing corruption, bribery, and incompetence among some of the current volunteer teachers. He outlined the minimum qualifications for head teachers and deputies as follows:
Head Teacher:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a Bachelor’s Degree with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from a recognized university.
- A Master’s Degree in Education or a related field is an added advantage.
- A minimum of 12 years of experience in a government-owned/aided secondary school, with at least three years as a deputy head teacher.
Deputy Head Teacher:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a Bachelor’s Degree plus a Postgraduate Diploma in Education.
- A minimum of nine years of teaching experience, with at least three years at the level of Education Officer in a secondary school.
- A Master’s Degree is an added advantage.
Caretaker teachers, however, argue that these stringent academic requirements are unrealistic, given their financial constraints and lack of time to pursue further studies. They insist that formal employment would enable them to upgrade their qualifications while continuing to serve their schools.
MPs Divided Over Recruitment Process
The parliamentary committee session saw mixed reactions from MPs regarding the teachers’ demands.
Martin Muzaale (Buzaaya County) urged the caretakers to compete based on merit, arguing that their previous informal recruitment did not guarantee automatic absorption into the system.
“The essence of this petition is to ring-fence the positions, but what if you do not meet the qualifications? Government has standards that must be followed.”
Patrick Isingoma (Hoima East Division) warned that granting special consideration to the caretakers could set a precedent that disrupts government recruitment policies.
Janet Okori-moe (Abim DWR) challenged the teachers to explain why they deserved affirmative action, questioning, “What makes you better than other Ugandans who are equally qualified? What would be a fair and transparent recruitment process?”
Atkins Katusabe (Bukonjo West), however, urged MPs to find a compromise to avoid job losses.
“These teachers have been serving, so why suddenly turn against them? Parliament has the constitutional mandate to represent their concerns.”
The Uganda Local Government Association (ULGA) also weighed in, with Ibrahim Kitata, ULGA Vice President for Central Region, describing the recruitment process as discriminatory for excluding non-payroll teachers.
“Head teachers and their deputies with the required experience and qualifications should be given an equal opportunity, regardless of whether they are on government payroll or not.”
Philliphs Lokwang (Napore West County) echoed these sentiments, stressing that caretaker teachers have proven their ability to work in hard-to-reach areas, unlike some newly recruited teachers who abandon their posts once placed on payroll.
Gov’t Promises Consideration, But Sticks to Qualifications
During a follow-up meeting on January 28, 2025, Victoria Rusoke, Minister of State for Local Government, supported prioritizing sitting teachers, acknowledging their dedication.
“They have upgraded, worked hard, and remained committed. My appeal is to maintain the status quo, but those who do not meet the qualifications will not be considered.”
However, Muruli Mukasa, Minister of Public Service, insisted that while government does not oppose prioritizing caretakers, the set qualifications cannot be compromised.
“The laid-down procedures for appointment, including qualification requirements, must be followed.”
The dispute between caretaker teachers and the government underscores the challenges of balancing merit-based recruitment with recognition of experience and dedication. While MPs and government officials acknowledge the teachers’ contributions, the strict academic requirements remain a significant barrier.
The coming weeks will determine whether Parliament and the Ministry of Education will soften their stance or uphold the national-level recruitment policy, leaving hundreds of dedicated caretakers uncertain about their future-Parliament Watch. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
