By KT Reporter
Authorities in Pader District are investigating the allegations that head teachers are falsifying school enrollment records, raising concerns over accountability in the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program.
Recently, the office of the district Chairperson reported that the district has over 102,000 registered learners, but officials suspect that some of these figures are inflated to receive extra government funding.
Margret Alanyo, the Acting District Education Officer (DEO), has condemned the practice, warning that forging student records is illegal and punishable. She stated that some head teachers were registering non-existent pupils, without naming which school in her reports, which could lead to legal consequences, especially for those in the education department.
Former district education secretary and Angagura sub-county councilor Dickson Ojok has criticized the DEO’s office for failing to detect the fraud. He pointed out that enrollment figures must align with available classrooms and actual attendance.
Ojok argued that the reported discrepancies by the DEO suggest possible corruption. He questioned how the excess UPE funds were being utilized. Under UPE, which was introduced in 1997, each pupil is allocated 15,000 shillings per term.
Justin Abolo Okello, the head teacher of Porogali Primary School and chairperson of the Head Teachers Association in the district, denied involvement in the malpractice. He said his school had 1,037 pupils physically present last year and that his records always matched what was submitted to the authorities. He urged those reportedly engaged in the vice to stop, calling it an act of corruption.
Pader District Secretary for Education and Sports, Phillips Ojok Adonga, said the district is reviewing the allegations and will take action against those found guilty.
He announced plans to conduct a headcount to verify actual pupil numbers in the district to avoid wasting tax payers money and resource allocation.
Adonga further blamed some parents for providing false reports about the number of school-going children, which is complicating the verification process. He emphasized that since public funds are involved, every discrepancy must be accounted for-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
