UNATU raises concerns over Balaam’s ‘unguided’ school inspections

What the report says

The Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) has raised concerns about inspections led by Minister of State for Local Government Balaam Barugahara at government schools, saying some headteachers and education officials have been publicly arrested or embarrassed before investigations are finished. According to The Observer, UNATU general secretary Filbert Baguma said the union supports efforts to curb corruption, but wants any enforcement to follow formal investigative and administrative steps rather than create public humiliation.

Baguma argued that officials who are accused should not be branded in front of learners and communities before any legal or disciplinary process is complete. He also questioned how those who are later cleared would be treated after suffering reputational damage. The dispute centers on Barugahara’s school visits in several districts, where he has been checking pupil enrolment, illegal fees and the use of Universal Primary Education and Universal Secondary Education funds.

The Observer reported that some inspections have led to arrests after school records appeared not to match physical headcounts. In Tororo district, chairperson John Okea said some cases require a better understanding of district education procedures, and he suggested the minister moved too quickly in one alleged pupil-number inflation case. Okea said the district had already verified enrolment and reallocated excess funds as required.

UNATU also says schools are under pressure because government funding does not always cover all operating costs, while the state maintains that UPE and USE schools should not charge learners unauthorised fees. The issue highlights the tension between anti-corruption enforcement and the day-to-day administration of public schools.