The Ministry of Education and Sports has faulted some local government leaders for failing to constitute District Service Commissions, a situation it says is affecting the recruitment of teachers in government primary schools.

The Ministry says the recommended teacher-to-pupil ratio is one teacher for every 40 pupils, but the current ratio in some schools stands at more than one teacher for every 55 pupils, a gap that officials say is affecting the quality of education across several districts.

Speaking to the press at the Uganda Media Centre, Ministry spokesperson Dr. Dennis Mugimba accused some district leaders of failing to perform their responsibilities, saying District Service Commissions play a central role in ensuring that schools have adequate and qualified personnel.

Mugimba said the Ministry of Finance had provided funds to facilitate the recruitment of primary school teachers, but some of the money was returned to the Consolidated Fund because District Service Commissions had failed to undertake the recruitment process.

The District Service Commission is established by the District Executive Committee, chaired by the LCV Chairperson, and is approved by the local council. Its members require final approval from the National Public Service Commission before they can officially assume office.

Among the responsibilities of the District Service Commission are managing human resources in local governments, making appointments and promotions, and exercising disciplinary control over public servants.

Mugimba has meanwhile urged local leaders, from the parish to the district level, to take a more active role in monitoring the operations of schools in their areas instead of leaving the responsibility entirely to Ministry of Education inspectors.

He also called on district and local leaders to strengthen monitoring of schools and help identify challenges such as the existence of ghost pupils, which continue to undermine the effective delivery of primary education.

By Olivia Nabaggala