Lira District Probes Rising Cases of Teacher Misconduct and Indiscipline

By Ceaser Okello, Radio Wa, Lira Diocese

Education authorities in Lira District have launched investigations into increasing cases of teacher misconduct and indiscipline, which officials say are negatively affecting service delivery in schools.

The District Inspector of Schools for Lira District, Mr. Patrick Olwit Ogwang, confirmed the development while commenting on a case involving a teacher from Ororo Primary School in Agali Sub-county who was referred to district authorities over allegations of drunkenness and misconduct.

According to Olwit, the district is concerned about the growing number of errant teachers and has commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the trend. He noted that any teacher found guilty will face the necessary disciplinary procedures and sanctions, including possible interdiction.

Last term, the LC3 Chairperson of Agali Sub-county, Mr. Okello Alex, together with the administration of Ororo Primary School, referred Mr. Okello George, a teacher at the school, to district authorities over alleged drunkenness and professional misconduct.

The Chairperson of the School Management Committee (SMC) at Ororo Primary School, Mr. Odyek Zino, blamed the poor academic performance at the school on lack of commitment among some teachers.

Speaking to our reporter, Zino said the school management had resolved to reject and refer teacher Okello to the district due to repeated cases of gross indiscipline. He also appealed to district education officials to deploy additional teachers to the school, noting that two teachers had already retired from public service and were never replaced.

Ororo Primary School currently has an enrollment of more than 800 pupils being handled by only 10 teachers; a situation school leaders say has greatly strained effective teaching and learning.

Education stakeholders in Lira District are now calling for stricter supervision, accountability, and timely staffing interventions to improve professionalism among teachers and enhance academic performance in public schools.

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