Anglican Priest Condemns Arrest of Head Teachers, Threatens Church Withdrawal from School Partnership

Venerable Canon Emmanuel Ssewanyana, Archdeacon of Entebbe in the Namirembe Diocese, has voiced strong disapproval of the government’s approach to enforcing school regulations.

During a community meeting in Wakiso District, Canon Ssewanyana questioned the practice of arresting head teachers, particularly in the presence of pupils, for alleged non-compliance with directives on school lunch fees. He argued that such actions amount to public humiliation, eroding respect for educational administrators and potentially harming the education system.

Canon Ssewanyana highlighted the financial strain on schools, noting that while the government provides minimal funding, parents are restricted from contributing to essential costs like feeding pupils and paying non-government teachers. He questioned the feasibility of running schools under such conditions.

The priest issued a stern warning, stating that the Church of Uganda, a major partner in the country’s education sector, could reconsider its involvement if the humiliating treatment of teachers continues. “We cannot accept this system. If necessary, we can withdraw from the arrangement and begin paying our teachers ourselves,” he declared.

His remarks come amid ongoing disputes over government directives on school fees and contributions, particularly concerning meal payments. While some officials, like Kampala Minister Minsa Kabanda, advocate for agreements with parents before imposing fees, others, such as Deputy RDC Charles Lwanga, have defended the arrests as necessary to enforce regulations.

The Church has called for dialogue between the government and school proprietors to find a resolution that respects the dignity of educators and ensures the sustainable operation of schools. The issue underscores the persistent challenge of balancing government oversight with the financial realities faced by schools and parents in Uganda.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)