Ntungamo District Chairman Commends School Heads Amid Staffing Challenges
Ntungamo District Chairman Samuel Mucunguzi Rwakigoba Ssalongo has praised local school heads for their resilience and dedication as effective stewards of public schools in the district.
His remarks came yesterday during the release of the Ntungamo District Primary Leaving Mock Examination results at St. Matthew’s Cathedral Kyamate in Ntungamo Municipality. Mucunguzi acknowledged the significant challenges facing the district, particularly the ongoing shortage of staff. He pointed out that many teachers have been serving as headteachers for extended periods, a situation that violates regulations. He assured attendees that he would address these staffing concerns within the current quarter of the financial year.
To alleviate the burdens caused by staff ceilings in government-aided schools, Mucunguzi pledged to increase staffing levels by 70%. He directed Chief Administrative Officer Mathius Ndifuna to prioritize the promotion and recruitment of qualified teachers in accordance with established service guidelines to fill existing gaps that have hindered the district’s academic performance.
Ndifuna emphasized the importance of head teachers being well-versed in professional regulations and making decisions based on educational statutes.
Bernard Ahabwe Mupenda, Chairperson of the district’s social services committee, recognized the commitment to improving school infrastructure, which includes the construction of 36 water tanks and four latrines, as well as other planned renovation activities for the current financial year. Mupenda, who is also the LCV councilor for Ruhaama Sub County, urged school heads to collaborate effectively despite challenging working conditions.
Emmanuel Katto, Chairperson of the Ntungamo Primary Schools Head Teachers’ Association, stressed the need for capable and competent examiners to ensure professionalism in both conducting and marking examinations. He reported that the mock examination papers, prepared by a team of knowledgeable UNEB examiners, met the required standards. However, he pointed out that while science saw the highest scores, many candidates struggled with reading comprehension and concept interpretation across all subjects.
A total of 11,807 candidates participated in the 2024 mock examinations, with results indicating that 1,669 achieved first division, 3,493 in second division, 1,817 in third grade, 3,124 in fourth grade, and 1,611 ungraded.
In terms of performance rankings, Kajara County emerged at the top, followed by Ruhaama, Ruhaama East, and trailing was Rushenyi County.
Mercy Orikiriza, the Inspector of Schools, encouraged both public and private school heads to intensify efforts to enhance academic performance in their institutions.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including District Inspectors of Schools Robert Tuzarirwe and Francis Gumisiriza Ruhinja, among others.
