Nakifuma– The Government has issued a strong warning against non-performance in schools as Mukono District Local Government held a Day One engagement meeting for all Government and Private Schools Head teachers ahead of the commencement of First Term 2026.
The meeting, held at St. Joseph Naggalama Mixed Primary School, brought together primary and secondary school head teachers, school inspectors, and education officials to review performance, accountability, and expectations for the new academic term.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (Deputy CAO), Mr. Muhumuza Stephen, revealed that government is determined to eliminate non-performance in the education sector and will introduce stricter accountability measures.
He warned that head teachers of persistently poor-performing schools will be summoned before the Rewards and Sanctions Committee to explain continued underperformance, with possible recommendations to the District Service Commission (DSC), including termination of service.
Mr. Muhumuza noted that although there has been slight improvement in school performance compared to previous years, the progress remains unsatisfactory.
“Government expects schools to move beyond ‘doing good’ to doing better. The headteacher, as the manager of the school, plays a central role in determining performance,” he said.
He cautioned teachers against blaming challenges without first assessing their own contribution, reminding them that employment terms and salaries were clearly outlined and accepted at appointment. He emphasized that government expects value for money, professionalism, and full commitment from all education staff.
The Deputy CAO further announced that Rewards and Sanctions Committees are being revived, inspections will be intensified, and absenteeism must be reduced to zero. He urged headteachers to exercise maximum supervision, work closely with inspectors, and take full charge of their schools.
The District Inspector of Schools (DIS), Mr. Mawanda Robert Humphrey, issued strong directives aimed at improving teacher accountability, time management, and school performance.
He announced that teacher time attendance will now be strictly monitored, with 90% attendance set as the new minimum benchmark, up from the previous 80%.
Teachers who scored between 0–59% attendance were cautioned, while those recording zero attendance will receive formal letters, as such records indicate complete absenteeism.
The District Education Officer (DEO), Mr. Kikomeko Rashid, reminded headteachers to strictly follow all planned Term One activities, including debate competitions, athletics, workshops, School Management Committee (SMC) training, and financial management and accountability programmes.
He emphasized that timely implementation of these activities is essential for holistic learner development and improved school governance.
Representing the Ministry of Education and Sports, Ms. Salima emphasized the critical role of teacher attendance in improving learner performance.
Ms. Salima explained that TELA (Teacher Effectiveness and Learner Achievement) enables real-time tracking of teacher attendance, adherence to working hours, and school performance, moving away from traditional desk-based supervision.
She shared Mukono District’s TELA performance, revealing that:
Primary schools recorded 89% system utilisation, ranking 32nd nationally
Secondary schools scored 96%, ranking 36th nationally
However, teacher usage remained low, with primary schools at 34% and secondary schools at 16%, highlighting serious attendance gaps.
She reminded teachers that public service contracts require them to work eight hours daily at their designated duty stations and cautioned against unauthorized absenteeism.
Representing the District Chairperson LCV of Mukono, the Chairperson of the Education and Health Committee, Hon. Yashiri Miiro Mpilinto, applauded head teachers for their dedication and improved service delivery.
He noted that Mukono District continues to register steady improvement in learners’ performance whenever national examination results are released, attributing this progress to the commitment of head teachers and teachers.
Hon. Mpilinto also commended the District Technical Team and the District Chairperson LCV for promoting integrity and transparency, especially in the transfer and deployment of head teachers and teachers, emphasizing that postings are conducted purely on merit without corruption.
The engagement marked a decisive moment for Mukono District’s education sector as government reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, professionalism, and performance-driven service delivery. With stricter monitoring mechanisms, revived Rewards and Sanctions Committees, intensified inspections, and full implementation of the TELA system, head teachers were urged to take full responsibility for their schools.
As the district prepares to open First Term 2026, education leaders emphasized that sustained improvement will depend on teacher attendance, strong school leadership, integrity, and teamwork ensuring that learners receive the quality education they deserve.
