By KT Reporter
The government has been asked to first assess the impact of banning civil servants in the education and health sectors from owning private schools and health facilities.
For many years, education and medical officers employed by the Government have owned private schools, clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals, often prioritizing their private enterprises over their official duties.
Last week, the government announced that, effective July 1, civil servants will be banned from running private schools and health facilities. The move is aimed at enforcing adherence to public service regulations, with the government targeting the health and education sectors for a start.
However speaking during Eid al-fitr celebrations at Masjid Jaamia Kirigime Mosque in Kabale district on Sunday, Hajji Issa Tindyebwa, Kabale District Muslim Supreme Council Chairman says that the implementation of the directive will create a crisis similar to the shut down of Primary and Secondary School Training Institutions (PTCs and NTCs). He says that the government should first conduct thorough research about the impact of the ban and provide solutions.
He also opposed the government’s move to start collecting school fees directly from schools through the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
Sheik Kassim Kamugisha, the executive member at Uganda Muslim Supreme Council who is also Nakawa Resident City Commissioner and Dr Nicholas Kamara, Kabale Municipality Member of Parliament, say that the ban is not fair because no law prohibits civil servants from owning institutions. They also say that teachers and health workers need a side income generated from projects they run after returning from official government duties.
While preaching, Sheikh Khabu Lule, District Khadi in charge of Kabale, Rukiga and Rubanda districts, discouraged the Muslim community against bad acts like indecent dressing and alcoholism. Lule also decried rampant cases of killings in society resulting from poor parenthood.
He also called for peace during the coming elections-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
