Namisindwa RDC, politicians clash over inflated school enrollment figures

Namisindwa, Uganda:- A dispute is brewing in Namisindwa District between Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Bosco Nabboge and local political leaders over allegations of inflated school enrollment figures, which he claims are part of a scheme to defraud the government.

Nabboge, who says he has repeatedly raised the issue with district administrators, alleges that exaggerated student numbers in both primary and secondary schools are being used to siphon government funds.

His insistence on addressing the matter has reportedly strained his relationship with other district officials, whom he accuses of benefitting from the fraudulent system. Frustrated by the lack of action, Nabboge launched independent monitoring visits to verify enrollment figures.

During a surprise inspection at Situyi Primary School in Bumityero Sub-county on Wednesday morning, he discovered a significant discrepancy. While official records list 491 pupils from P1 to P7, only 143 students were physically present.

Nabboge is now calling on government anti-corruption agencies to intervene, warning that such fraud undermines service delivery in the education sector.

However, Namisindwa District LCV Chairperson Jackson Wakweika has condemned Nabboge’s monitoring visits, arguing that they are disrupting government operations. The District chairman acknowledged that inflated enrollment figures are a nationwide issue but insisted that Nabboge’s approach is causing unnecessary friction. He also threatened to petition the Minister for the Presidency to request Nabboge’s transfer.

Meanwhile, Namisindwa District Education Officer Sophie Kuloba neither confirmed nor denied the allegations but assured the public that her office would investigate the matter.

The scandal in Namisindwa comes amid a broader crackdown on fraudulent school enrollment figures. Recently, education officials in Rukungiri were remanded by the Anti-Corruption Court over similar allegations, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue.