Government schools in Luwero are yet to receive funding to enable headteachers to put in place COVID 19 Standard Operating Procedures and carry out minor renovations ahead of school reopening next week.
In October last year, the Education Ministry released 50 per cent of the first quarter capitation grant for all government-aided schools to help them prepare ahead of the scheduled January 10th reopening.
However, to date, Luwero District has not released the funds to the schools only four days remaining to school reopening. This has left headteachers struggling to put in place the COVID -19 SOPs.
Elizabeth Namanda the Luwero District Chief Administrative Officer explains that the money is being kept at the district general fund account. She says that if it had been disbursed earlier many headteachers would have used it by now.
Namanda explained that part of the funds will be disbursed soon to help schools put in place facilities to prevent COVID 19.
She however noted that funds for minor renovations won’t be sent to schools but instead district will buy materials and works be done as learners are studying. Namanda says that the district is still doing an assessment on schools and the works will begin after the survey is done.
Charles Kahigiriza the Chairperson of Luwero District Secondary Headteachers Association says that the schools have been advised to self-innovate and ensure the schools are conducive for learners as they wait for government funds.
Sula Naminya the Headteacher of Nambi Community Secondary and Vocational School says that he has borrowed some items from service providers so that the school is conducive for learners and will pay when money is disbursed.
Other headteachers criticized the district for the late release of the funds and said they should be blamed if they are unable to put the COVID 19 SOPS in place before reopening.
Some schools in Luwero remain bushy and others have broken windows, chairs as well as doors among other structures ahead of reopening.
There are 230 primary schools and 24 secondary schools which are government aided in Luwero district.
