UNATU raises concerns over Balaam ‘unguided’ school inspections

What the report says

The Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) has criticised Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara over what it describes as heavy-handed inspections of government schools. In remarks attributed to UNATU General Secretary Filbert Baguma, the union said it supports anti-corruption efforts but believes arrests and public questioning of headteachers and education officials should follow normal investigative and administrative procedures rather than happen in public.

According to The Independent Uganda’s report, the minister has been visiting schools in several districts to check pupil enrolment, unauthorized fees, and the management of Universal Primary Education and Universal Secondary Education funds. Some of those visits have led to arrests or investigations when school records did not match physical headcounts. UNATU said some officials are being accused before inquiries are completed, which it says harms their reputations and professional dignity.

The dispute also reflects broader tensions in Uganda’s education system over school financing. The report said some schools still rely on parental contributions to cover costs that government grants do not fully meet, such as extra staff and other operating needs. At the same time, the government says UPE and USE schools should not charge fees and has increased inspections to stop unauthorized collections and possible misuse of public money.

Tororo District Chairperson John Okea also said some cases may require a better understanding of district administrative procedures, citing a recent dispute over alleged inflated enrolment figures. The issue matters because it highlights the challenge of enforcing accountability without disrupting school operations or affecting learners.