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Aramita Headteacher and Bethel Director in Police Custody Over Illegal Holiday Teaching in Oyam

31 August 2026, 9:15 pm

Motorviacle belong to Deputy RDC oyam Francis Biahngana carrying the suspect to oyam central police station

By Solomon Okello

The Headteacher of Aramita Primary School, Gilbert Olwa, together with the Director of Bethel Junior School, Martin Olema, both located in Ngai Sub-County, Oyam District, are under police custody for allegedly conducting holiday teaching in violation of Ministry of Education directives.

The arrest followed an operation led by the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Oyam, Francis Behangana, after reports indicated that learners were being taught illegally during the holiday period.

At Aramita Primary School, Headteacher Olwa was apprehended alongside Bonny Olwa, a school cook, after authorities found 26 learners being taught at the time of the raid. Some of the pupils later recorded statements at Ngai Police Station, revealing that they had been asked to pay for the holiday program, a practice that contravenes Ministry of Education guidelines.

Meanwhile, at Bethel Nursery and Primary School, a privately owned institution, drama unfolded when the Deputy RDC stormed the premises following a tip-off. Two teachers, who were instructing approximately 15 learners, reportedly attempted to evade detection by throwing pupils through the window. The school director, Martin Olema, together with his wife Stella Akullu, who were allegedly collecting fees from parents, were arrested on the spot. Other staff members including Ivan Ojok, Emmanuel Okwanga, Jaspher Elem, and Sam Ogwang were also taken into custody and paraded to Oyam Central Police Station to aid investigations.

Authorities have since registered charges of disobedience of lawful orders against the suspects. The case against the Headteacher of Aramita Primary School is recorded under SD Ref 38/30/08/2026, while that of Bethel Junior School is filed under SD Ref 39/30/08/2026 at Oyam CPS.

The arrests have sparked widespread concern among education stakeholders, with calls for strict enforcement of ministry guidelines to protect learners from exploitation and ensure compliance with national education standards