Uganda fires 36 teachers over abscondment. At least 36 teachers in Luweero District have been fired for failing to report for duty.
The affected teachers previously worked at universal primary schools such as Mityebiri Roman Catholic, St Theresa Kasaala Girls, Luweero Boys, Nandere, Buyuki, Malungu, and Nambi UMEA Primary School.
Others included Balita Lwogi, Matembe, Kabuye, St Peter’s Semyungu, Lukomera C/U, and Anoonya Orthodox P/S.
On February 23, 2023, the Luweero District Service Commission summoned 41 teachers to appear before it to defend themselves in cases of abandonment from duty.
The teachers were accused of being absent from work for more than three months without permission from their superiors, which is against public policy.
However, only five people showed up to defend themselves, forcing the Public Service Commission to recommend the dismissal of the remaining 36. Four of the five teachers who showed up were warned and kept on the job, while the fifth is still awaiting a decision.
Mr Bernard Okello, the Luweero District Human Resource Officer, explained that after receiving a report recommending the dismissal of the teachers, the Chief Administrative Officer signed off on letters terminating their services.
Mr Okello adds that the district followed the process of giving them a chance to defend themselves, but they did not appear to do so.
“We have removed them from the payroll and will soon advertise for qualified candidates to fill the open positions,” Okello explained.
He also claims that the district has implemented measures such as daily output registration, clock-in equipment at health centres, and smartphones in schools to collect data on absentee employees.
Mr Yusuf Kamulegeya, the Luweero District Inspector of Schools, stated that he had not yet received the Service Commission’s report on the recommendations.
URN has learned that some of the dismissed employees left for other jobs, while others went abroad for greener pastures.
Mr Richard Bwabye, the Luweero Resident District Commissioner, stated that some of the affected staff have been seen in the communities doing jobs other than teaching.
“It’s good that they have finally been dismissed and the district can now replace them with those that want to work. We should also increase physical supervision in order to eliminate all cases of abscondment and ensure that government funds are paid to those who deliver “Mr Bwabye stated.
Sections (A-N) 19 and 20 of the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders state that the responsible officer must immediately stop receiving pay and submit to the appointing authority for a formal directive of his or her removal from public service for abandonment of duty.
All rights and privileges associated with the officer’s position are forfeited as of the date of abandonment.
