Senior Reporter
On Wednesday, at least 47 teachers and one school head were arrested in Kisoro District for violating government regulations by conducting unauthorized teaching during the school holiday.
The security operations targeted various schools, including Muhabura Shine, Kisoro Savior Secondary School, Kisoro Vision Secondary School, Kisoro Standard Senior Secondary School, Mother Care, Zion Primary School, Bright Valley Primary School, Read Primary School, Zion Bridge Kyanika, and others.
The district education officer, Mwunvaneza Emmanuel, clarified that the operation aimed to enforce the directive issued by the State Minister for Higher Education, John Crysestom Muyingo. This directive prohibits schools from reopening until February 5, 2024.
Abel Bizimana, the Kisoro LC5 chairman, strongly criticized the educators for disregarding the laws and warned them about the consequences of disobedience. Kisoro RDC, Hajji Badru Ssebyala, expressed disappointment, highlighting the irony that teachers, who should serve as examples to the younger generation, are the ones violating the law. He cautioned teachers in other sub-counties conducting holiday teaching to cease immediately or face potential arrest.
However, Munyambabazi Dan, the Chairperson for Kisoro District Private Secondary School Owners and Director of Kisoro Vision Secondary School, defended the schools’ actions. He argued that schools had defied the Ministry of Education’s directive because the new curriculum is extensive and cannot be adequately covered solely during the official education calendar periods. Munyambabazi also pointed out the intense competition in the education sector, asserting that any school avoiding holiday teaching is depriving itself, learners, and parents.
Following the arrests, the teachers provided statements and were subsequently released on bonds.
