Itojo Teachers, Parents and Students Demonstrate Over Transfer of Headmaster

There was tension at the Ruhanga Adventist Secondary School in Ruhanga Parish  Itojo sub-county Ntungamo District when teachers, students boycotted classes and parents together with some members of the Board of Governors were protesting the transfer of the school acting head teacher Gideon Kabangizi, in a move that has caused confusion in the institution.    

The school gate was locked with two padlocks and a steel chain until the RDC Ntungamo district George Bakunda flanked by Police intervened to reopen the school gate and calm the situation after holding a special meeting with all stakeholders for almost another six hours at the school’s premises.

The transfer was announced by Jane K Mwesiga on behalf of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Sports on 12^th October 2020 moving Kabangizi from Ruhanga Adventist Secondary School to Rubaare Secondary School as a classroom teacher.

The parents, alongside a section of board members, accuse the Bishop of Seventh Day Adventist Church Bernard Kakuru Bampata for sabotaging the affairs of the school.

Ruhanga Adventist SS is a church founded mixed school which nearly collapsed due to mismanagement of funds and expired boards.

The board members led by Natamba Edward and Dr Penninah Beinomugisha ] noted that they are disappointed by Bishop Kakuru’s decision to reverse the decision of members to look for another head teacher instead of Katsigazi who he preferred and recommended.

“Bishop Kakuru cannot force his relative as the new head teacher of the school as if it is a herb that cures malaria or immunizing polio.” Alice Makoote, a parent at the school said.

On top of their voices, parents say that they are afraid that the transfer will instead hold back the school which has started registering visible improvement warning that they cannot withstand the new head teacher whom they had refused three times.

Muhumuza Dennis Savimbi, the area councillor for Itojo Sub County noted that the acting head teachers’ transfer was okay but bringing a new one without the knowledge of the board is the subordination of the highest order because of diverting the board decision.

However, RDC Ntungamo George Bakunda who chaired the six hours special meeting in the absence of Bernard Kakuru Bampata resolved to withdraw the new head teacher Agaba Samuel Katsigazi as it was resolved in the last board meeting to pave away for board members to outsource or suggest at least three names where they will choose the substantial one.

Bishop Kakuru shunned the board meeting and was represented by Pastor Munyalubega Abel the SDA Diocesan Secretary and Pastor Samuel Mumbere Diocesan Education Secretary Mbarara.

The district was represented by CAO Turyaheebwa Hanny, DEO Atamba Peace and Turyatsingura Edison the Secretary for Education among others.