The Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) has raised concern over delays in confirming teachers and persistent staffing gaps in Uganda’s education sector.

The committee says bureaucratic delays in the confirmation process are frustrating teachers and exposing them to fraudsters who take advantage of the situation.

The COSASE Chairperson, Hon. Muwada Nkunyingi, raised the concern as the Education Service Commission appeared before the committee to respond to queries contained in the Auditor General’s report.

Nkunyingi questioned who ultimately bears the burden of the bureaucratic delays, arguing that teachers and the education sector at large are the main victims.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Education and Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, acknowledged the concerns, describing them as valid and legitimate.

Ogwang attributed the persistent staffing gaps largely to restrictions on recruitment and limited wage provisions, which he said have constrained the government’s ability to fill vacant positions.

The Ministry of Education and Sports has reported a 35 percent vacancy rate across the education sector, raising concerns about the pressure placed on the existing teaching workforce and the potential impact on the quality of education service delivery.

END