Masaka RCC orders investigation into city education officer

The Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Masaka, Hudu Hussein, has ordered an investigation into  Steven Kakeeto, the head of the Masaka City education department, following growing complaints from parents and concerns about the state of education in the city.

The investigation was prompted by a series of grievances from parents of students at Equator High School, who have been unable to obtain their children’s Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) results, four months after they were released.

Parents allege that despite numerous appeals, Kakeeto has failed to take action or provide assistance in retrieving the results for students who sat for the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) exams in 2023.

The prolonged delay has raised suspicions of negligence or possible collusion within the education department.

In a public statement, RCC Hudu expressed his dissatisfaction with Kakeeto’s handling of the situation.

"I spoke to the District Education Officer (D.E.O) over the phone and asked him whether the school is registered. He said he is not sure, and I was shocked to hear that the education officer is uncertain about the legal status of a school operating under his jurisdiction. This shows a serious lack of responsibility," Hudu remarked.

The RCC also criticized the broader state of the Masaka city education department, emphasizing the need for immediate reforms.

Hudu highlighted that the Ministry of Education established basic requirements for the operation of schools, but Kakeeto’s office has failed to enforce these standards in Masaka.

"If we find that schools like Equator High School have been operating for years without a license, we will shut them down," Hudu warned.

The investigation comes amidst broader concerns about the state of education in Masaka.

Hudu noted that this is not the first time he has raised issues with the department, having previously discussed the matter with both the current and former town clerks.

"The education department needs reorganization. They often claim that they are understaffed, but this cannot be used as a perpetual excuse," he stated.

Hudu also recalled the tragic fire at Kasaana Junior School last year, which prompted the authorities to remind all schools in the region of the safety requirements they must implement.

He tasked the education department with ensuring these measures were enforced, yet many schools failed to comply.

"These requirements are not new. They were introduced during Gen. Kale Kayihura’s time when there were several school fires. It’s shocking that some school administrators claim they are hearing about these requirements for the first time," Hudu said.

The RCC urged parents to report any suspicious or unlicensed schools promptly to prevent further incidents.

"We have individuals we refer to as ‘abayaaye’ who set up illegal schools. Please inform us early enough so we can take action before problems arise," he appealed.

Efforts to reach Mr. Kakeeto for comment have been unsuccessful, adding to the growing concerns and speculation among the Masaka community.

The investigation is expected to shed light on the situation and determine whether any legal or administrative action will be taken against the education officer.