KISORO – At least 47 teachers and one school head were on Wednesday arrested for violating government regulations by conducting unauthorized teaching during the school holiday in Kisoro District.
Security operations were initiated on Wednesday, targeting 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, explained that the operation aimed to enforce the directive issued by the State Minister for Higher Education, John Crysestom Muyingo, which prohibits schools from reopening until February 5, 2024.
CUE IN MWUNVANEZA….ON DIRECTIVE….RR/ENG//
Kisoro LC5 chairman, Abel Bizimana, strongly criticized these educators for disregarding the laws of the land. He warned them about the consequences of disobedience. The Kisoro RDC, Hajji Badru Ssebyala, expressed disappointment, highlighting that teachers, who should serve as examples to the younger generation, are the ones violating the law. He cautioned teachers in other sub-counties still conducting holiday teaching to cease immediately or face potential arrest.
CUE IN RDC SSEBYALA….ON THE MATTER…..LUG/ENG//
On the other hand, the Chairperson for Kisoro District Private Secondary School Owners and Director of Kisoro Vision Secondary School, Munyambabazi Dan, 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 noted the intense competition in the education sector, asserting that any school avoiding holiday teaching is depriving itself, learners, and parents.
CUE IN MUNYAMBABAZI….ON HOLIDAY TEACHING…..ENG//
Following the arrests, the teachers provided statements and were subsequently released on bonds.
