26 Primary School Teachers in Kitgum are threatening to sue the district for failing to pay their accumulated salary arrears amounting to the tune of shillings 500 million. They claim the money accumulated from the period between 2007 and 2009. They accuse Kitgum District Local Government of failing o include them on the government pay role even after serving for five years.
Isaac Opio one of the affected teachers, says that he was posted to Kitgum Matidi Primary School upon recruitment by the district service commission in 2007 but since then, he has never accessed his payment. On Thursday, Opio stormed out of the office of the internal Auditor with tears rolling down his cheeks saying that he is disappointed with the slow response to their problems.
Opio claims that the failure by the district to confirm their appointment has denied them several opportunities like access to bank to loans, and upgrading their qualifications. He now says that they are considering dragging Kitgum district local government to court for legal redress. Charles Otai, Kitgum Chief Administrative Officer has confirmed receiving the teacher’s complaints saying he will forward the matter to the ministry of public service.
Otai however explains that he does not know why the 26 teachers have not been accessing their money since he is new in Kitgum. He says all claims for residual arrears accruing from the financial year 2010/2011 will be submitted to the ministry of public service by 30th September. Otai advises the teachers to take administrative action instead of resorting to courts of law.
