Government, Parents, Teachers All Encouraging Corruption in Schools

Jamila Mulindwa

Corruption has been singled out as a major problem faced by schools in Uganda. According to a report released by Transparency International Uganda, government’s misappropriation of funds is one of the reasons corruption is rampant in schools.

The report is called Uncovering Corruption in Basic Education Programmes in Uganda.

While releasing a report today about the quality of basic education in Uganda, Transparency International cited corruption as sinking education in Uganda.

“In some instances it’s the parents who instigate corruption. They bribe teachers for vacancies in schools” said Peter Wandera a member of Transparency International Uganda.

Wandera, however, noted that there many forms of corruption in schools.

He said that, “Some headmasters can take advantage of parents’ especially in rural areas by asking for money to buy food for pupils yet it’s against the law.”

Teachers are not above the practice, “Teachers also bribe especially when it comes to transfers. If a teacher doesn’t like the school, he will pay a bribe to either stay or go to a better school”.

The chairperson board of governors Transparency international John Mary Odoy said government’s misappropriation of funds tempts teachers, parents and government officials to participate in corruption.

He argued that, “If government could invest more in education and other programs that benefit the country instead of buying expensive security cars for members of parliament.”

He urged government to change the curriculum to enable students have both white and blue color jobs.

Dr. Daniel Nkaada who represented the ministry of education urged organisations to always report their findings to the relevant authorities instead of running to media first.

Nkaada charged, “We welcome such reports that highlight the problems within the system. But going to the media will not solve the problem, it makes it difficult to investigate”

437 Schools from Mukono and Wakiso districts were used as the sample in collecting and writing this report.