Two quack teachers arrested in Kyotera after 15 years on Govt payroll

What the report says

The Independent Uganda, citing URN, reported that authorities in Kyotera District have arrested two men accused of serving as government primary school teachers for about 15 years without the required qualifications. The suspects were named as Charles Sseruwu and John Kavuma, who had been working at Kakunyu Primary School in Kabira Sub-county while allegedly drawing salaries from the government payroll.

Kyotera District Education Officer Lawrence Ssekyondwa said the matter was investigated after a whistleblower questioned the men’s credentials. According to the report, investigators found that Sseruwu was allegedly using the identity of Joseph Kabazzi, a qualified teacher and relative who had left the profession because of mental health challenges. Kavuma is alleged to have entered the teaching service irregularly despite not meeting academic requirements.

District officials said they reviewed payroll records, academic documents, appointment letters and posting instructions, and also obtained statements from relatives as part of the inquiry. Robert Kyambadde, the district chief finance officer, said records showed Sseruwu was being paid under Kabazzi’s name, while Kavuma was suspected of relying on forged credentials. The suspects were handed to police for prosecution and possible recovery of salaries allegedly obtained unlawfully.

Mathias Mulindwa, the Kyotera deputy resident district commissioner, described the case as a warning for local administrators and said verification of public servants would be strengthened. The Independent noted that the alleged fraud may have begun before Kyotera was split from Rakai in 2017, linking the case to earlier Inspectorate of Government audit findings that identified ghost workers and unqualified staff in the former Rakai District.