HOIMA CITY, June 5, 2025 –– The Hoima City Education Department has expressed concern over the increasing number of nursery schools operating without proper authorisation.
Carolyn Kyomuhendo, the Hoima City Education officer in charge of Early Childhood Education [ECD], said that many pre-primary schools are operating outside the Ministry of Education’s guidelines, placing children at risk.
She revealed that several of these schools are unregistered and unlicensed, despite the fact that registration is free.
“I don’t understand why schools refuse to register,” Kyomuhendo said, urging school managers to comply before the department is forced to close down illegal operations.
She made these remarks during a second-term meeting for headteachers of both government and private schools, held recently at Maranatha Primary School in Mparo Cell, Hoima East Division.
During the same meeting, the Education Department also raised alarm over poor adoption of the Teacher Effectiveness and Learner Achievement [TELA] system. The smartphone-based platform, introduced by the government, is designed to monitor teacher and learner attendance, lesson delivery, and adherence to school timetables.
The TELA system uses GPS and biometric technology to track whether teachers and headteachers are present and engaged in their duties. However, according to an inspection report presented at the meeting, Hoima City ranked among the worst in terms of system utilisation.
Kyomuhendo disclosed that only 19 out of 32 schools, just 57 percent, were using the system properly. “A teacher is supposed to work for eight hours. If they clock in at arrival but fail to clock out at departure, the system records them as absent,” she explained.
Johnson Kusiima Baigana, Hoima City Principal Education Officer, criticised the poor performance and warned of consequences.
“We trained teachers and headteachers before rolling out the system. I’m known as a performer; I won’t accept failure over a simple technology issue. If your school is struggling to use the system, come to us for help. If your teachers are stubborn, report them,” he added. “Some of you are acting headteachers, so take your roles seriously.”
Fred Musinguzi, headteacher of Duhaga Boys Government School, pointed out technical issues with the TELA devices. He cited poor network coverage, power failures, and a lack of repair centres as major challenges.
He also noted that some teachers refuse to clock in, making enforcement difficult.
He called on the education department to support headteachers and provide clearer guidance on managing the system effectively.
Meanwhile, Hoima City Sports Officer Haruna Alinde reported that of over 100 private schools in the city, only about 30 percent participate in games and sports activities, despite sports being mandatory.
“Games and sports are compulsory, yet many private schools continue to avoid them,” he said.
Cornelius Jobile, Hoima City Assistant Town Clerk, issued a stern warning to non-compliant schools. “The Education Act applies to both government and private institutions. According to the Sports Act 2023, Section 47, sports is a right for every child. Schools denying learners this opportunity are breaking the law and can be prosecuted under human rights statutes,” he said.
https://thecooperator.news/govt-urged-to-priotise-early-childhood-education-in-primary-schools/
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
