Teachers at Ggolo Progressive Islamic Primary School in Mpigi District have appealed to district leaders and the Ministry of Education to intervene, accusing the school headteacher of physically assaulting and humiliating members of staff.
The teachers allege that the abuse has forced several colleagues to resign after repeatedly being beaten with a cane and embarrassed in front of pupils.
According to the teachers, Headteacher Isma Muwonge has developed a habit of disciplining teachers through physical punishment, treating them like children.
One of the teachers, Juliet Nabulya, 50, described the alleged treatment as degrading.
“The headteacher beats us. Sometimes he finds you teaching in class, slaps or kicks you in front of pupils and leaves you embarrassed,” Juliet said.
She recalled an incident in which she allegedly escaped serious injury after being dragged out of a classroom.
“I was teaching a Primary Three class when he entered angrily, slapped me, grabbed my dress by the shoulder, threw me to the ground and dragged me outside before caning me in full view of my pupils,” she said.
Juliet said the most painful part was not being corrected but being publicly humiliated.
“We are adults. If I make a mistake, call me to the office and explain my mistake. There is no reason to beat me like a child in front of my pupils,” she said.
Another former teacher, Isha Namujju, said she eventually resigned after enduring what she described as repeated beatings by the headteacher.
“I reached a point where I could no longer tolerate being caned like a child. Mr Isma behaves as though he is the only important person at the school. He treats teachers and even pupils as if they have no value,” she said.
She also alleged that a female private teacher was caned after demanding unpaid salary.
“The teacher insisted on being paid what she was owed, but the headteacher picked up a cane, beat her and chased her out without paying her. When I questioned his actions, he turned on me, beat me in front of pupils, and I ended up receiving medical treatment,” Isha alleged.
According to Isha, more than eight teachers have resigned from the school because of the alleged mistreatment.
“I endured the beatings because I needed the job, but eventually I joined the others who had left. I never returned to the school and eventually left the teaching profession,” she said.
The teachers are now calling on district authorities and the Ministry of Education to investigate the headteacher’s conduct.
“We appeal to our district leaders, the district chairperson and the Ministry of Education to rescue teachers from this situation. Those still at the school continue to suffer,” the teachers said.
Following the complaints, Mpigi District Chairperson Simon Peter Kawuki, together with other district officials, visited the school to investigate the allegations.
However, Headteacher Isma Muwonge denied assaulting teachers, saying the accusations were intended to tarnish his reputation.
“I do not beat them. Sometimes I only reprimand them, but they claim I have assaulted them because they want to damage my reputation. As for Madam Juliet, I only pulled her slightly and she fell down before claiming I had beaten her,” Muwonge said.
He did not provide details about what led to the incidents that prompted the complaints.
District Chairperson Simon Peter Kawuki has since announced plans to convene a meeting involving all headteachers in Mpigi District, the District Education Committee and district labour officials to discuss the allegations and determine the appropriate course of action.
