Bongtiko leaders raise concern over learning disruption at St. Mary’s primary school

11 November 2026, 7:36 am

By Geoffrey Okwong

Local leaders in Bongtiko Sub-county, Pader District, have raised concern over disrupted learning at St. Mary’s Primary School after reportedly finding pupils without adequate teacher supervision during visits to the school on Friday.

The concerns followed reports that normal learning activities were disrupted on Thursday and Friday, November 5 and 6, with local authorities questioning the school’s administration over the absence of the head teacher and inadequate teacher attendance.

Bongtiko Sub-county Chief Raymond Olweny confirmed the disruption, saying he received information on Thursday that the school had closed after the head teacher reportedly travelled to attend the burial of the late GISO of Paiula Sub-county.

Olweny said he contacted the head teacher and directed her to ensure that the school operated normally.

However, he said only one teacher, identified as Albino Okidi, was present on Thursday and dispersed the pupils to return home.

According to Olweny, the same teacher reported for duty on Friday, taught pupils from Primary One to Primary Five but eventually became exhausted and sent them home.

He said the head teacher later informed him that she was unwell and had been advised to rest at home.

Olweny questioned why the head teacher had not delegated responsibilities to her deputy to ensure continuity of school activities during her absence.

The LCIII Chairperson for Bongtiko Sub-county, Lugale Kilama, said he visited the school at about 11:00am on Friday after encountering several pupils walking home during school hours.

Kilama said the learners told him they were returning home because there were no teachers at school.

He said he found the school closed, including the head teacher’s office, with only 34 pupils present at the time of his visit.

Kilama disclosed that the school had 954 registered pupils and eight teachers on the government payroll, adding that teachers previously engaged under PTA arrangements had been discontinued at the beginning of the third term.

He said when he contacted the head teacher, she reportedly explained that she had attended the burial of the late GISO of Paiula Sub-county on Thursday and was also unwell after returning.

Kilama, however, said this explanation differed from information he had obtained from learners, who indicated that lessons were not being conducted.

He also revealed that teachers had raised concerns about their workload at the school.

Meanwhile, Bongtiko Sub-county Male Councillor V, Joe Okwera, said he also visited the school and found the head teacher absent.

Okwera said two teachers had initially reported for duty, but one left earlier while the other later followed, reportedly citing difficulties managing the large number of pupils alone.

He said when he questioned one of the teachers about why other staff members were not at school, the teacher reportedly told him that he was a subordinate and that only the head teacher could speak on behalf of the institution.

Okwera added that attempts to reach the head teacher by telephone were unsuccessful on several occasions.

He criticised the school’s administration, describing St. Mary’s Primary School as one of the worst schools in Pader District in terms of administration.

Okwera on the administration of the school

When contacted for comment on Friday evening, the head teacher initially answered a telephone call from this reporter but disconnected before responding to questions about the reported disruption.

Her response had not been obtained by the time of publication.

The sub-county authorities are expected to meet on Monday to discuss the concerns and determine the appropriate action.

When contacted for comment on Friday evening, the head teacher initially answered a telephone call from this reporter but disconnected before responding to questions about the reported disruption.

Her response had not been obtained by the time of publication.