Parents at Abela Primary School in Getom Sub-county, Katakwi District, are demanding the immediate transfer of head teacher Isaiah Euchu over alleged mismanagement of Universal Primary Education (UPE) funds.
On April 22, parents locked Euchu out of his office, accusing him of diverting funds meant for school activities.
The protest was triggered by the school’s failure to participate in an inter-school athletics competition held at Apuuton Primary School on April 17.
Parents claim the money allocated for co-curricular activities was misused.
Local leaders including parish councillors Richard Obore and Felister Amulit, as well as Getom district councillor Jimmy Okello, joined the parents in demanding the head teacher’s removal, citing mismanagement and neglect of pupil welfare.
“This school is sinking because of one person. Lessons are missed regularly, and no one accounts for the Shs4 million received from the MTN mast,” said Obore.
Concerns were also raised about pupils being charged Shs3,000 for drinking water, despite bringing their own containers from home.
PTA chairperson Ben Odeya announced his resignation, accusing Euchu of sidelining both the PTA and the School Management Committee (SMC) in decision-making. “There’s no communication. Our children were left out of key physical education activities. That is enough proof of failure,” he said.
SMC treasurer Amos Omoligai echoed the frustrations, accusing the head teacher of centralizing power. “He does everything alone. That’s how school money is misused,” he said.
The uproar prompted an emergency meeting chaired by Irene, the Secretary for Education and Community-Based Services. While calling the protest “uncalled for,” she acknowledged the concerns and directed the head teacher to convene a General Assembly before the end of the term to address the issues.
Katakwi LCV Chairperson Geoffrey Omolo also weighed in, warning that any misuse of UPE funds would trigger audits and accountability measures. “There must be transparency in UPE fund usage. Head teachers will be held accountable,” he said.
Euchu has denied the accusations, claiming the protests are politically motivated and blaming the PTA chairperson for undermining the school’s operations.
This is the second high-profile resignation linked to wrangles with the head teacher. In 2022, Charles Elungat Okim, an SMC official, also stepped down over similar complaints.
As tensions persist, the community awaits further action from district authorities.