By Julius Wetondo
MBALE
Government aided primary schools in Mbale City are carrying out teaching of all classes in contravention of Ministry of Education directives on Staggered reopening of schools.
The M.O.E directed that pupils should study in shifts. First was P.7 then P.6 and the third shift is for P.5 and P.4 to follow next month, April.
However, this reporter today the 23rd March 2021 found out that at least three schools in Mbale City were teaching lower classes as well. The schools are Nabuyonga, North Road and Malukhu primary schools.
Some of the pupils at Nabuyonga Primary school intimated to this reporter that their parents pay between 10,000 to 20,000 monthly. They also said they are taught secretly.
“Our teachers have warned us not to reveal to anybody that we are studying. They also stopped us from wearing school uniform,” some of the pupils who preferred anonymity said.
However, Juliet Wakholi, the Deputy head teacher North Road primary school refuted the allegations saying they only have P.7 and P.6.
“The other young children seen at school are children of teachers and neighbors,” she said.
Irene Grace Kibone, the head teacher Nabuyonga Primary school also denied having pupils of lower classes at school. She said it was some teachers coaching in their homes.
Muhammed Mugoya, the Mbale City Inspector of schools said he was not aware that some schools were defying government directives.
He added however, that they were going to start inspections at various City schools to trap such teachers.
“Even coaching at school is illegal,” he said.
