Mayuge, (UG):– A former local government leader in Mayuge District has petitioned President Museveni to save the education situation at the government-owned Kigandalo Secondary School, over the alleged political interference by teachers and administration.
In an open letter addressed to the President, Kamya Musa, the former LC3 chairperson of Kigandalo Sub County, accuses the school administration of fostering a politically charged atmosphere that stifles independent thought and pressures students and teachers to align with a particular political agenda.
According to Kamya, the school has become a battleground for political influence, with students reportedly being coerced into supporting Hon. James Kubeketerya, the Member of Parliament for Bunya East County.
“Teachers are reportedly using classroom time to promote the political agenda of the incumbent, Hon. James Kubeketerya, pressuring students to show their support,” Kamya wrote in his letter, adding that students who do not align with this political narrative are suspended.
“This has resulted in the suspension of students who do not align with his views, fostering an atmosphere of fear and intimidation,” he wrote.
“The implications of this politicization are dire. It not only undermines the educational mission of the school but also stifles independent thought and critical discussion among students. Education should empower young minds to think freely and engage with diverse perspectives, not coerce them into conformity with political ideologies. This situation may lead to a generation of students who are less equipped to become informed, active citizens,” he added.
Kamya further notes that the work environment for teachers is also at bay, as their job security depends on their allegiance to Kubeketerya. “The pressure on teachers to ‘worship’ Hon. Kubeketerya in order to retain their positions exacerbates the problem,” he stated, emphasizing that this toxic environment could lead to reduced morale, high staff turnover, and compromised educational quality.
In his letter, the whistleblower urges President Museveni to intervene urgently to ensure that the school administration maintains a non-political environment where students and teachers can thrive without fear of political persecution. The former LC3 chairperson argues that swift action is necessary to uphold the integrity of education in Bunya East County.
Kamya’s letter was also copied to key stakeholders, including the Minister for Education and Sports, the District Education Officer of Mayuge District, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), and the school’s Board of Governors and Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), signalling the gravity of the situation.
Below is the full text of the open letter:
His Excellency Yoweri Museveni
President of the Republic of Uganda
State House, Nakasero
P.O. Box 254, Kampala
March 17, 2025
Dear Mr. President,
I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am writing to bring to your attention a concerning situation at Kigandalo Secondary School that poses a serious threat to the educational environment and the integrity of our community.
It has come to my attention that the school administration has increasingly become politicized, creating a hostile environment for both students and staff. Teachers are reportedly using classroom time to promote the political agenda of the incumbent, Hon. James Kubeketerya (MP Bunya East County), pressuring students to show their support. This has resulted in the suspension of students who do not align with his views, fostering an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
The implications of this politicization are dire. It not only undermines the educational mission of the school but also stifles independent thought and critical discussion among students. Education should empower young minds to think freely and engage with diverse perspectives, not coerce them into conformity with political ideologies. This situation may lead to a generation of students who are less equipped to become informed, active citizens.
Moreover, the pressure on teachers to “worship” Hon. Kubeketerya in order to retain their positions exacerbates the problem. This creates a toxic work environment where educators cannot focus on their primary responsibility—providing quality education. The morale of the staff is likely to diminish, leading to decreased performance and increased turnover, which further harms the students’ learning experience.
I urge you to take swift action to address this troubling situation at Kigandalo Secondary School. It is imperative that the administration is reminded of the importance of maintaining a non-political, educational environment where all students and staff feel safe and respected.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I trust that you will consider the long-term implications of the current situation and work towards restoring the integrity and purpose of our educational institutions.
Yours sincerely,
Kamya Musa,
Former LC3 Chairperson of Kigandalo Sub County
On behalf of Concerned Citizens, Bunya East County
Cc:
- Minister for Education and Sports
- DEO Mayuge District
- LC5 Mayuge District
- RDC Mayuge District
- DPC Mayuge
- LC3 Kigandalo Sub County
- Board Kigandalo SS
- PTA Kigandalo SS
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