Teacher wanted for allegedly abandoning duty and hiring villager to teach

10 August 2026, 6:43 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Police in Hoima District are searching for a teacher at Kabaale Public Primary School who allegedly absconded from duty and hired a villager to teach on her behalf.

According to the Ministry of Education and Sports, it is unlawful for a government-employed teacher to abandon duty and hire another person to perform their duties. Those found engaging in such practices are liable to disciplinary action under the law.

The matter was uncovered today by Uthuman Mugisha Kadiri, the Chairperson of Hoima District, during an inspection of schools.

The teacher, identified as Atugonza Joselyne, allegedly abandoned her duties and hired Madrine Wembabazi Rahuma to teach in her place.

The district chairperson has called on police to arrest the teacher and the school head teacher over the incident.

The hired teacher was reportedly signing attendance records using Atugonza’s name and had even occupied the teacher’s staff quarters.

During the inspection, the hired teacher reportedly jumped out of the classroom and disappeared into a nearby bush.

The deputy head teacher, who was found at the school, has recorded a statement with police.

Uthuman says such practices, especially absenteeism among public servants, are affecting service delivery.

“What has been done here is unacceptable. We advise all teachers and civil servants to always respect their jobs and do what they are supposed to do,” he said.

The incident comes amid concerns that some government-employed teachers have been hiring unqualified or unauthorized individuals to teach on their behalf.

The Ministry of Education and Sports has intensified school inspections to ensure that teachers employed by the government are the ones reporting for duty and teaching learners, rather than delegating their responsibilities to other people.