RUKUNGIRI HEADTEACHER DETAINED FOR DENYING PUPILS EXAMS OVER FEES ARREARS

By Ambrose Kweronda
www.mknewslink.com
In Rukungiri—–
A primary school head teacher in Rukungiri has been arrested for allegedly sending pupils home over unpaid school fees, a clear violation of the presidential directive.
The suspect identified as Denies Akatukunda is a head teacher at Karuzigye Primary School in Buhunga Sub County, Rukungiri District.
According to Rukungiri Deputy Resident Commissioner (DRDC) Ahimbisibwe Wilberforce Ongom, the arrest followed a complaint by a 70-year-old, Caleb Twinomusinguzi, after his four children were dismissed from school Monday 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, therefore he sent them back to get the remaining 120,000 shillings,” the deputy RDC noted.

Mr. Ongom said he found the pupils engaged in their exams, except for Twinomusinguzi’s children and when questioned, the head teacher denied the accusations, but the pupils confirmed they had been sent away.

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 that 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.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has consistently stressed the importance of implementing the free education policy in government schools.