By Teachers Under PTA payment
Moroto High School, established in 1964, is one of Uganda’s traditional secondary schools. Despite its rich history, the school has struggled to match the academic performance of other esteemed institutions such as St. Joseph’s College Ombachi, Layibi College, Teso College Aloet, and Ngora High School.
This disparity is largely due to persistent administrative challenges and systemic neglect.
Located in the remote Karamoja sub-region, a semi-arid area characterized by harsh climatic conditions, Moroto High faces unique obstacles.
Teachers cannot supplement their incomes through farming due to the unsuitable environment, leaving them heavily reliant on their salaries.
Unfortunately, administrative mismanagement has compounded these challenges, creating a dire financial situation that is threatening the school’s functionality and its staff’s livelihoods.
Allegations of Corruption and Financial Mismanagement
The tenure of the former headteacher, Mr. Chebet Twaha Sayekwo, who retired in July 2024, has been marred by allegations of corruption.
Before his retirement, Mr. Sayekwo delayed his handover to exploit the school’s finances.
He allegedly coerced the institution into taking multiple loans and waited for term III school fees payments from NGOs supporting vulnerable students.
Reports indicate that over UGX 200 million intended for operational expenses was misappropriated, leaving the school’s bank accounts drained.
After siphoning funds, he handed over his role in August 2024, leaving the new administration to manage the chaos.
Financial Crisis and Its Impact on Teachers
The current headteacher inherited a school in financial turmoil, with a reported deficit of over UGX 50 million in the school account.
Teachers employed under the PTA system have been hit hardest. Many have not received salaries since November 2024, and fears are mounting that payments will not resume until at least March 2025.
Additionally, the school has failed to remit National Social Security Fund (NSSF) contributions for more than a year, further eroding trust among staff.
For teachers in Karamoja, survival is particularly difficult.
The harsh climate prevents them from engaging in agricultural activities to sustain themselves, leaving them entirely dependent on their wages.
The prolonged non-payment of salaries has left many in dire straits, unable to meet their basic needs.
This exploitation of educators is emblematic of a broader pattern of neglect and mistreatment of teachers in both government and private schools across the region.
Call for Anti-Corruption Intervention
The situation at Moroto High School underscores the urgent need for intervention by the Anti-Corruption Coalition and the Ministry of Education.
The coalition must investigate the alleged financial mismanagement, hold those responsible accountable, and recover the stolen funds to stabilize the school’s operations.
Additionally, the Ministry of Education must address the systemic issue of transferring headteachers nearing retirement to struggling schools, a practice that perpetuates financial mismanagement and stifles progress.
The bursar, who has been implicated in financial irregularities, should also face scrutiny, his name appeared on the transfer list in January 2024 but he canceled the transfer by bribery. So as to remain in Moroto High School.
A Path Forward
To restore confidence in Moroto High School and safeguard its future:
- Audit and Accountability: An independent audit should be conducted to trace misappropriated funds and identify the responsible parties.
- Financial Rescue Plan: The Ministry of Education and relevant stakeholders must provide emergency financial support to clear the deficit, pay teacher salaries, and restore school operations.
- Policy Reform: The Ministry should develop policies to prevent the transfer of retiring headteachers and staff to vulnerable schools and ensure that mismanagement is promptly addressed.
- Improved Teacher Welfare: Long-term solutions must prioritize better pay, timely payments, and support systems for teachers, especially in remote regions like Karamoja.
Moroto High School has the potential to reclaim its place among Uganda’s top-performing traditional schools.
However, this will require immediate action to address the financial crisis, root out corruption, and ensure better working conditions for teachers.
The plight of the school’s staff is a stark reminder of the broader challenges facing Uganda’s education system, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
It is time for authorities to prioritize accountability and invest in the future of Moroto High School.
The Anti-Corruption Coalition and the Ministry of Education must heed this call for rescue, not just for the sake of Moroto High but for the integrity of Uganda’s education system as a whole.
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