‎Anglican Bishop Slams Balaam School Inspections

What the report says

The Independent Uganda reports that the Anglican Bishop of Soroti Diocese, Rt. Rev. Kosea Odongo, has criticized Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi over his inspections of schools and anti-corruption visits in the country. The remarks were made during prayers and blessings for Senior Four candidates at Bethany Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Soroti. Odongo said the minister should focus on seed schools and community schools rather than Church of Uganda-founded institutions, which he described as government-aided rather than fully state-run.

According to the article, diocesan education coordinator Rev. Godfrey Obone told parents that fear of arrest was affecting teachers in church-founded schools, with some reportedly stepping back from school duties and PTA-related responsibilities. He argued that while scrutiny of school funds is important, the current approach is unsettling staff and could hurt teaching and learning, especially in schools that rely heavily on parent contributions because of teacher shortages.

Odongo warned that continued pressure on these schools could worsen exam performance and disrupt education in the region. He said the church would continue working with parents and teachers to support learners, but indicated that the church could reconsider its role if the situation does not improve. The report also notes that some parents, speaking anonymously, said they still want accountability for PTA money and support audits of government-aided schools.

The dispute reflects a broader tension over funding, oversight and management in Uganda’s mixed system of government-aided and church-founded schools, especially where staffing and parent fees remain central to operations.