By Aggrey Baba
The Ministry of Education and Sports has sounded an alarm over the growing problem of fake appointment and transfer letters among teachers. According to a recent circular, this vice is spreading fast and is being fueled by a few bad apples within the education sector, working hand in hand with fraudsters.
Dr. Kendrace Turyagyenda, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, said, “We have received credible reports that some officers in the sector are collaborating with conmen posing as ministry officials to sell forged documents.”
These fake letters, often targeting secondary school teachers, are being sold to those desperate for jobs or transfers. Many teachers, in pursuit of better positions or workstations, have fallen victim and paid large sums of money to these fraudsters.
Dr. Turyagyenda warned that anyone caught with forged documents would face the full force of the law. According to Section 349 of the Penal Code Act, forging or possessing false documents is a serious crime classified as a felony, punishable by prosecution.
The circular, dated November 15, further noted that such actions violate Uganda’s Public Service Standing Orders of 2021, which forbid the use of false documents to gain government employment. Additionally, the Teachers’ Professional Code of Conduct and Education Service Regulations provide for strict disciplinary action against those found guilty.
Dr. Turyagyenda’s message was clear, that “If you cheat to climb a tree, you may end up falling harder than you expected.” Teachers and officers have been urged to steer clear of shortcuts and instead follow the rightful procedures.
The ministry is now calling upon all heads of institutions and district leaders to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help weed out the fraudsters. As the old saying goes, “A stitch in time saves nine.” Let everyone work together to protect the integrity of the teaching profession. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at [email protected]).
