School proprietors and education leaders in Kamuli have been urged to shift focus beyond academic performance and financial gain to the holistic development of learners, including values, discipline, and practical life skills.
The call was made by retired Kamuli Municipal Education Officer Joseph Musoke during a send-off ceremony held at Central College Kamuli, where private school leaders gathered to bid him farewell after years of service.
“Education is not a business but a service to the people,” Musoke said. “These days schools have replaced parents who have no time for their children, so you should take an extra role of nurturing, parenting and imparting values, norms and morals to the children, not only producing academic performance.”
He urged school leaders to embrace creativity, innovation, and mentorship, saying educators must act as “tools of hope, justice and learning” while encouraging continuous professional development among teachers.
Musoke also cautioned education stakeholders against expecting constant praise from parents and politicians, saying criticism should instead be used as motivation to remain focused on learners’ outcomes.
“You need to be creative, innovative and humane to impart functional skills,” he said, adding that educators should build “social capital, alliances, and serve with commitment, compassion and dignity.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Musoke said he was satisfied to retire after what he described as significant improvements in the district’s education outcomes.
“I am proud and satisfied to retire with dignity,” he said, noting that Kamuli had grown from 115 first grades in Primary Leaving Examinations to 870 during his leadership period.
He also credited improved data systems and institutional reforms for strengthening accountability in the education sector, adding that he had helped “put many things right” within the district education system.
Musoke further warned education leaders to rely on accurate information and data, cautioning against unethical practices driven by poverty, political pressure, or competition.
“Poverty should not make you do wrong things in this money economy and politically charged environment,” he said.
Kamuli Municipality Private Schools Organising Committee chairperson Laston Sempa praised Musoke for his mentorship and regulatory guidance, saying he had played a key role in improving professionalism and cooperation between private schools and government.
“Today we recognise, appreciate and reward your efforts in making our schools better, professional and competitive,” Sempa said.
He added that Musoke had helped strengthen compliance with education standards while fostering a constructive relationship between private institutions and government regulators.
Private Schools Directors Chairperson George Byantuyo also urged school leaders to prioritise consultation, networking, and adherence to government education policies to avoid sanctions.
“Consultation, networking and benchmarking are essential for us to move forward,” he said, warning that failure to comply with standards could lead to closure.
He further encouraged schools to support teachers with alternative income opportunities to improve welfare and financial stability.
The send-off ceremony marked the end of Musoke’s tenure, with stakeholders praising his influence in shaping education standards and governance in Kamuli Municipality.
