By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
MBALE
Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, has uncovered shocking irregularities in school enrollment figures during an inspection tour of institutions in Mbale District. At Naiku Primary School, government records show an enrollment of 1,352 pupils. However, a physical headcount conducted by the minister revealed only 705 pupils present, exposing a discrepancy that could cost the government approximately UGX 14 million per term in fraudulent funding.
Similarly, at Nabumali Senior Secondary School, the government is releasing funds under the Universal Secondary Education (USE) programme for nearly 1,000 students. Yet Barugahara’s inspection found only 240 students present in classrooms, raising serious concerns about accountability.
“This raises serious questions. What are the local leaders doing? Where are the Inspector of Schools, the District Education Officer, and all the other responsible officials? Who is benefiting from the funds allocated for students who are not there?” Barugahara asked.
The minister also discovered that students at Nabumali SSS were being charged between UGX 71,000 and UGX 110,000, despite government policy prohibiting such fees in USE schools.Barugahara condemned the practice, describing it as a violation of government policy and an abuse of public funds. He confirmed that the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and other relevant authorities will investigate the matter thoroughly and anyone found culpable should be held accountable in accordance with the law.
The revelations highlight persistent challenges in Uganda’s education sector, where inflated enrollment figures and unauthorized charges undermine the government’s efforts to provide free and equitable education.
