Bukiro Seed Secondary School embroiled in Leadership Challenges
Bukiro Seed Secondary School in Bukiro Town Council, Kashari South, Mbarara District is embroiled in controversy as its headteacher, Nuwagaba Maureen reportedly divides her staff into factions of supporters and dissenters. There are allegations that she has threatened to dismiss staff members who do not align with her leadership methods, raising significant concerns about her management style and the overall morale within the school.
Teacher Clever( not real name) described an increasingly toxic work environment under Nuwagaba’s leadership. “It feels like we are walking on eggshells, “he noted. “If you don’t support her views or decisions, you risk not only your job but also a hostile work environment. Many of us feel we can’t speak up for fear of repercussions.” This has led to a divide among the staff with some forming an unwavering support base around the headteacher to win her favours while others are left marginalized and disrespected.
Deo Muhwezi, the Acting District Education Officer for Mbarara district could neither confirm nor deny these allegations but said that he will interest his office into these concerns if at all they exist to make sure they are resolved amicably.
The Bukiro Town Council Mayor, Tom Karuhanga (Omwengyengyeto) said he knew about some of these alleged concerns but was tight-lipped on delving into details.
Nuwagaba could not openly speak about the situation saying she is not an authority to do so and referred our reporter to the Chairman Board of Governors, George William Tibaijuka.
Tibaijuka revealed that as a school they are unfortunate to have youthful male teachers on their staff who are on government payroll but do not want to work. He went on to say that some of these teachers had already been sanctioned by the Chief Administrative Officer and withheld their salaries for three months and asked them to file apologies before being paid three months later.
He went on to attribute these issues to the area’s local politics where political interests are sighted for failing some of the activities in school,” the area Member of Parliament signed for a transformer meant for the school from the ministry of energy and put it to personal use in 2022. He then chose to pedal influence into stopping a fundraising that was meant to be held at the school”.
He credited Nuwagaba for being motherly to her teachers but further said that it is this character that has culminated into some of the said grievances.
Tibaijuka further revealed, ”we have requested her to have minutes from staff disciplinary committee implicating the teachers who do not teach so that they can be forwarded to the Board of Governors Disciplinary Committee which will then forward the names to the Board of Governors which will in turn forward the names to the ministry for further action”.
Attempts to reach out to the Kashari South Member of Parliament, Nathan Itungo Twesigye were futile since he could not answer calls made to his known numbers.
A section of students have also expressed discontent with the administration. Athens (not real name) said, “We want a headteacher who listens to us, trusts her teachers and values our education, not someone who threatens teachers and creates factions,” she remarked. “It’s affecting our learning environment and we don’t feel supported.”
Concerns have been raised regarding Nuwagaba’s hiring practices. Reports indicate that she has overlooked the academic qualifications of some teachers, appointing lower-qualified individuals to key administrative positions. “It’s baffling to see less experienced individuals taking on important roles while qualified teachers are pushed aside,” one teacher lamented. “This will only degrade our academic standards further.”
A parent to a student in S3 at Bukiro Seed Secondary School only identified as Kushaba said, “We need accountability and a commitment to improving our school. This divide among staff is not healthy for anyone. Our children are watching and they deserve an environment where teachers feel empowered and respected.”
There is a need for a more constructive and inclusive leadership model emphasizing the need for unity and respect which will yield good fruits for the community. Realigning her leadership approach will restore faith in the institution’s management.
