KABALE, UGANDA: The suspension of five students of Kabale Technical Institute (KTI) in Kabale district has sparked anger among instructors at the government-owned institution.
The suspended students include the Guild President Miracle Tayebwa, Miracle Ainembabazi, Ivan Akanyebembera, Allan Ainebyoona and Amos Ampumurize.
In a suspension letter dated April 12, 2023, and signed by Hillary Mbangirwoha, the Institution’s Chairman Disciplinary Committee of the Board, the five students required to return with their parents in August this year are on suspension on accusations of inciting and involving students into strikes.
The institute which is likely to re-open on Monday next week has been under closure since 03rd April after it was closed by police under the Command of Henry Kisembo, the Field Force Police Commander in Charge of Kigezi Region.
This was after students held a strike demanding an explanation as to why they are only taught theory lessons rather than practical ones since the beginning of the term.
It has now been understood that the suspension of the five students has left instructors furry. Valence Mugisha and Andrew Kiconco Kajura, Automotive Mechanics Instructors say that the institution has been in crisis since 2022.
The instructors say that the crisis has however increased after management led by the principal, Francis Tibemanya, and his deputy, Dominic Mubangyizi failed to explain to students the reasons why there are no practical lessons taught, despite paying all requirements.
The Librarian Diana Koheirwe, and the plumbing Instructor Gracious Ndeiregye, blame top management led by the principal for rushing to suspend the students.
The Electrical Installation Instructor Jacqueline Twinomugyisha said that the suspension of the students is totally unfair because none of the instructors was involved in the decision so they also gave out their submissions.
When contacted, the principal, Francis Tibemanya referred our reporter to his deputy, Dominic Mubangyizi. Mubangyizi insists that the students were suspended in accordance with the Disciplinary Board resolutions. Mubangizi also argues that the concerned instructors are the ones fueling students to strike.
Students at the institution have since July 2022 decried maladministration. They have repeatedly walked in protest to Kabale municipality education and Kabale Resident District Commissioner’s offices requesting help. But, nothing fruitful has come out.
On Monday this week, officials from the National Council for Higher Education reached the Institution to conduct investigations into the crisis.
Kabale Technical Institute is the only Government aided Vocational Institute in Kabale Municipality, and it is directly supervised by Kabale Municipal Council.
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