Two quack teachers arrested in Kyotera over fraudulently receiving govt salary for 15 years

What the report says

The Observer reports that authorities in Kyotera district have arrested two men accused of drawing government salaries as primary school teachers for more than 15 years without the required qualifications. The suspects, named as Charles Sseruwu and John Kavuma, were said to have been serving at Kakunyu Primary School in Kabira sub-county while allegedly remaining on the public payroll through irregular means.

According to the report, Kyotera district education officer Lawrence Ssekyondwa said the case was opened after a whistleblower raised doubts about the men’s academic records. Investigators allegedly found that Sseruwu had been working under the identity of Joseph Kabazzi, described as a qualified teacher who had left the profession because of mental health challenges. Sseruwu was reported to be Kabazzi’s relative. Kavuma, meanwhile, is accused of entering the teaching service despite not meeting minimum academic requirements.

The Observer cites district officials as saying investigators recovered questionable academic papers, appointment documents and posting instructions, and also took statements from relatives of the suspects. Kyotera chief finance officer Robert Kyambadde said payroll records showed Sseruwu was paid under Kabazzi’s name, while Kavuma is suspected of using forged qualifications. The suspects have been handed to police as inquiries continue, and officials are considering recovery of salaries allegedly paid illegally.

The case matters because it raises renewed concerns about payroll controls and verification of public servants in local governments. The Observer notes that the alleged scheme may have begun before Kyotera was carved out of Rakai district in 2017, and links the episode to earlier concerns from a 2016 Inspector General of Government audit that found ghost workers and unqualified staff on the then Rakai district payroll.