Uganda Headteachers Threaten Resignation Over Arrests Linked to School Corruption.

By Hillary Opio Omara 

UGANDA -Headteachers under the Association of Secondary School Headteachers of Uganda (ASSHU) have criticized the government over the arrest of headteachers implicated in alleged corruption and threatened to resign from their positions if what they describe as harassment and unfair arrests continue.

 The Headteachers are demanding that the government restrain the Minister for local government,Balam Byeruhanga Ateenyi, from what they describe as the continued targeting and arrest of school administrators over alleged corruption.

The concerns were raised during a meeting that brought together headteachers and their deputies at St.Katherine Secondary School in Lira City on Wednesday, September 3, 2026. Chepsikor Muhammad Moses,a headteacher at Sironko Secondary School and Chairperson ASSHU for Mbale City, called on President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to intervene and stop what he described as the intimidation of headteachers.

According to Chepsikor,many Headteachers across the country are living and working under difficult conditions,with some having been arrested and detained at Luzira Prison over allegations related to the management of school funds. 

He argued that the government should first investigate allegations thoroughly before arresting and prosecuting headteachers, warning that the continued arrests were creating fear and uncertainty among school administrators. Silvia Ayoko,the Headteacher of Kameke Senior Secondary School in Pallisa District, said headteachers were often being blamed for problems that resulted from inadequate government funding. 

Ayoko noted that although schools have been accused of charging illegal fees,many headteachers and school management committees have been forced to seek financial contributions from parents to construct teachers' houses,classrooms and other essential infrastructure because government funding is insufficient or delayed.

 Lira City Mayor Sam Atul said both the government and some headteachers must take responsibility for the challenges facing the education sector.

He said that while allegations of corruption must be investigated,the government should follow due process and avoid publicly humiliating or wrongfully arresting innocent people. 

Atul emphasized that any person arrested over corruption allegations should be subjected to a fair and transparent investigation,adding that those found innocent should not have their reputations destroyed through unjustified arrests.

The Bishop of the Diocese of Lango, Professor Alfred Olwa,urged the government to listen to the concerns raised by members of ASSHU,describing headteachers as important stakeholders in the development and education of Uganda's children.

Bishop Olwa said individuals found guilty of corruption should face the law,but those who are innocent must also be protected from unfair treatment.

 ASSHU National President Hajjat Zulaika Nabukeera said the association is working to ensure that the concerns and welfare of headteachers and their deputies are addressed by the government.

 She announced that ASSHU members would hold further discussions at St.Katherine Secondary School on Friday,September 4, 2026,before compiling their resolutions for submission to the Ministry of Education and Sports and President Museveni.

 Meanwhile,the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Sports,Dr.Kedrace Turyagyenda,acknowledged receiving complaints from the headteachers but emphasized that education stakeholders must work together to improve the country's education system.

Dr.Turyagyenda said the government has continued to invest in the education sector through the recruitment of teachers and the enhancement of salaries for science and arts teachers.

 She defended the actions of Minister Balam Byeruhanga Ateenyi,saying he was carrying out responsibilities assigned to him by President Museveni and that headteachers should concentrate on providing quality education and ensuring that learners receive the knowledge and skills they need.

The two-day ASSHU meeting has brought together approximately 1,400 headteachers and deputy headteachers from across Uganda and is expected to conclude on September 4, 2026.