By Chris Woo
Ajaga Primary School in Minakulu Sub County, Oyam District, remained closed on Monday, leaving over 1800 pupils stranded as term one began. The closure follows a misunderstanding between the headteacher, Okuti Patrick Mawa, and the school management.
According to some parents who preferred to remain anonymous, the misunderstanding stems from the alleged misuse of over 3 million shillings in PTA funds. By press time, none of the pupils had reported to school, and those who had arrived earlier had escaped due to hunger.
Jaspher Okori, the deputy headteacher, revealed that only 49 pupils had reported on the first day, but they all left before lunchtime due to hunger. Okori added that he had not received any official communication from the headteacher regarding the school feeding program.
David Adea, the District Education Officer of Oyam District, confirmed the matter and stated that a meeting had been scheduled at Minakulu Catholic Parish to resolve the issue. Adea denied rumors that the headteacher would be transferred.
Christ Ongom, the Vice Chairperson of the LCV of Oyam District, disclosed that over 12 headteachers in Oyam have issues with their schools and urged the DEO and CAO not to effect their transfer before their issues are settled.
Sam Openy, the Inspector of Schools in charge of North, reported that term one had opened with a low turnout of learners in most schools. However, private schools had a good turnout on the first day. Openy also revealed that theft of school property was among the major challenges registered in many schools and called upon the community to help teachers protect school property.