The Mukono District Education Department has convened all primary head teachers, both government and private, in a crucial meeting ahead of the third term as learners prepare to complete the 2025 academic year.
The session focused on improving academic outcomes, particularly addressing the declining performance in Primary leaving examination (PLE), alongside key issues of curriculum delivery, school licensing, teacher conduct, examinations, and the general welfare of learners and educators.
The meeting was attended by school inspectors led by the District Inspector of Schools (DIS) Mr. Mawanda Robert Humphrey, departmental heads, the District Education Officer (DEO) Mr. Rashid Kikomeko, the Principal Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Mr. Kamala Daniel (representing CAO Ms. Elizabeth Namanda), the District Vice Chairperson Hon. Jorem Kabali Kimera (representing District Chairperson Hon. Rev. Dr. Peter Bakaluba Mukasa), the Youth Male Councillor Hon. Ssenyonjo Lauben, and other stakeholders.
The President of the Mukono District Primary Teachers Association, Mr. Nanda Viane, asked head teachers to prepare for the third term by prioritizing activities like mock examinations. He also appealed to the district to consider facilitating government-employed heads during hardships such as bereavement, citing the financial struggles many face.
Centre Coordinating Tutors (CCTs) emphasized the importance of aligning teaching materials with the national curriculum and urged head teachers to support nursery teachers in proper learner assessments. “Be resource managers and ensure learners are not confused by unverified content,” the CCTs advised.
The Inspectors of Schools reminded schools owners that No school is permitted to operate without a license, Private schools will not be licensed unless they have playgrounds, as guided by the President, Nursery learners must not be enrolled in the primary EMIS portal and encouraged bigger schools to actively participate in co-curricular activities to boost sports and cultural engagements across the district.
The District Inspector of Schools Mr. Mawanda Robert Humphrey cautioned against publishing learners’ results in newspapers and on social media, warning that such practices could result in the withdrawal of center numbers. Head teachers were further reminded to enforce proper teacher dress codes, discourage unauthorized school trips, and eliminate corporal punishment.
The Chairperson of the Academic Committee of the Head Teachers’ Association, Mr. Kiyemba James, officially handed over the mock examination results to DEO Mr. Kikomeko Rashid, who urged head teachers to uphold integrity in national examinations. “Let learners perform genuinely in both mocks and the PLE without malpractice,” he emphasized.
Mr. Kikomeko commended schools such as Hopeland Junior and Mukono Junior for supporting the mock examinations, while condemning those that delayed payments, which disrupted smooth operations. He also appreciated schools for excelling in sports and music, noting that these activities are vital in building well-rounded learners.
On behalf of the Natural Resources and Environment Office, Mr. Ngondwe Ponsiano called on schools to promote environmental conservation through waste management, tree planting, and preserving school forests.
The Senior Community Development Officer, Ms. Nsangi Immaculate, representing the Labour Officer, urged schools to prevent Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases and denounced abusive punishments against learners.
Representing the CAO, Mr. Kamala Daniel praised stakeholders for their resilience and dedication to improving education. He also presented data showing a concerning decline in performance among Primary Four learners. “Despite this challenge, head teachers have been empowered for the third term opening, reflecting the district’s commitment to addressing educational outcomes through collaborative preparation,” he said.
The Mukono District Education Department reaffirmed its pledge to support schools in delivering quality education in a safe and enabling environment. Stakeholders committed to strengthening partnerships, upholding examination integrity, and nurturing holistic learners through academics, sports, culture, and values.
“As we enter the final term, let us manage our schools with transparency, discipline, and dedication,” DEO Kikomeko Rashid concluded, reminding head teachers that the future of Uganda depends on how well they shape learners today.
