Masaka SS Headteacher Zulaika Nabukeera Cleared of Misappropriation Allegations

Hajjat Zulaika Nabukeera, the headteacher of Masaka Secondary School, has been cleared of allegations of misappropriation of funds, irregular recruitment, and abuse of school resources. The Ministry of Education and Sports formally lifted her interdiction, allowing her to resume her duties with immediate effect.

The decision by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Dr. Kedrace R. Turyagyenda, followed a comprehensive investigation by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG). The IGG’s report, dated July 8, 2026, concluded that several accusations against Nabukeera lacked sufficient evidence.

Key allegations examined included the procurement of a digital notice board, construction of toilets, and the intended purchase of a school bus without adhering to proper procedures. Nabukeera was also accused of irregular staff recruitment, absenteeism, and misusing school fuel and allowances. However, the IGG found that some procurement irregularities, particularly the construction of an eight-toilet facility, occurred during the tenure of the former acting headteacher, Ahmed Mukiibi, who proceeded without board approval or proper procurement processes.

The IGG report indicated that while Nabukeera oversaw the procurement of a digital notice board and two toilet structures, these were approved by the school board of governors, with Nabukeera attributing procedural lapses to weaknesses in the school’s procurement unit. Corrective measures, including hiring a procurement officer and reconstituting the contracts committee, were subsequently implemented.

Regarding the alleged irregular purchase of a school bus, the investigation found no funds had been spent on the acquisition at the time of the inquiry, despite a budget allocation. Nabukeera was also cleared of staff recruitment irregularities, as the board had authorized local filling of vacancies and subsequent internal advertisements and interviews led to the hiring of 13 teachers.

The investigation did, however, uncover a separate case of alleged forgery by a recruit, Arafat Ssemyalo Malende, who reportedly used a forged transcript. The IGG directed the school to remove Malende and forward his case for review, also recommending reporting the alleged forgery to the police for further investigation.

Allegations of Nabukeera’s irregular attendance were also dismissed, with the IGG noting her appointments to the Uganda National Examinations Board (Uneb) and her subsequent regular presence at Masaka SS after completing Uneb duties. Similarly, no evidence supported claims of irregular fuel and allowanceDraws for personal travel.

While clearing Nabukeera, the IGG emphasized the need for improved procurement practices at the school and assigned responsibility for specific past irregularities to former acting headteacher Mukiibi and highlighted the forgery case involving Malende.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)