Five teachers of Kitonya primary school in Buhanika Sub-county, Hoima district, have been suspended for absenteeism.
Those suspended are Sedrack Kwezi, Steven Kugonza, Joseph Kaahwa, Janet Ayebale and Robinah Businge.
In a suspension letter dated May 28 and signed by Resty Timbigamba, the acting Hoima district education officer (DEO), the teachers have been barred from executing their duties at the school until a disciplinary action is taken against them.
The letter stipulates that the victims only taught for 37 days out of 56 days last term. The teachers were absent from work for 19 days which Timbigamba says is unacceptable.
The Acting DEO says the teachers’ absenteeism did not only put government resources to waste but also affected the pupils’ learning.
The culprits have been summoned to the District Education office on Monday.
The suspension has, however, further affected the school as the head teacher and a primary one teacher are the only teachers left and cannot attend to all classes.
Some classes at the school go for a day or two unattended.
The acting education officer did not provide for how the school will be run when the teachers are away and she could not readily comment on the matter.
When contacted one of the victims who preferred to remain anonymous for fear of losing his job did not rule out witch-hunt by the school head teacher.
The teacher claims he informed the head teacher in writing of his absence but wondered how he could go ahead to recommend for his suspension.
Hamfred Isingoma, the school head teacher meanwhile denies the teacher’s claim.
