The head teacher of Karuzigye Primary School in Buhunga Sub County, Rukungiri District, Akatukunda Denies, has been arrested for allegedly sending pupils home over unpaid school fees, a clear violation of the presidential directive.
According to Rukungiri Deputy Resident Commissioner (DRDC) Ahimbisibwe Wilberforce Ongom, the arrest followed a complaint by a 70-year-old parent, Caleb Twinomusinguzi, who reported that his four children had been dismissed from school despite having paid UGX 120,000 for the current term.
The head teacher, however, demanded payment for the previous term, amounting to UGX 240,000.
The children were sent home on Monday during their examinations, with the head teacher threatening to deny them admission if the outstanding fees were not paid.
DRDC Ongom found the pupils engaged in their exams, except for Twinomusinguzi’s children. When questioned, the head teacher denied the accusations, but the pupils confirmed they had been sent away.
CUE IN; PARENTS & HEAD TEACHER………. RR///
Akatukunda Denies was detained at Buhunga Police Post before being transferred to Rukungiri Central Police Station for further investigation.
DRDC Ongom emphasized that the president has repeatedly insisted no child should be sent home over unpaid fees and that schools should instead negotiate with parents. He warned other school heads that the government will not tolerate those who undermine its education programs.
CUE IN…ONGOM…………RR//
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has consistently stressed the importance of implementing the free education policy in government schools.
ENDS/////
