By Sharon Basilika
Mukono Municipality Principal Education Officer Faridah Nasolo has warned school heads against sexual harassment and abuse of learners, saying the practice is contributing to school dropouts and teenage pregnancies.
Nasolo said cases of sexual harassment are commonly reported in some private schools and warned that teachers found abusing learners would face disciplinary action.
She made the remarks during a new-term meeting with primary school headteachers under the Mukono Municipality Primary Headteachers Association at Jobiah Hotel in Mukono.
The meeting brought together headteachers to discuss challenges affecting education in the municipality, including poor academic performance, school hygiene and teachers’ professional conduct.
Education officials also expressed concern over poor performance in this year’s mock examinations, with some schools registering disappointing results.
Nasolo attributed the poor performance in some schools to teachers who were not giving learners enough attention and were instead concentrating on their salaries.
She also said her office continues to receive complaints about teachers mistreating learners through harsh punishment and other forms of abuse.
School inspectors also raised concerns about schools failing to meet basic requirements and standards, particularly some private schools.
Mukono Municipality Town Clerk Francis Byabagambe raised concern over excessive examinations, saying putting learners under too much academic pressure could negatively affect their learning.
Despite concerns over the mock examination results, education officials and the Mukono Municipality Primary Headteachers Association recognised schools that performed well, awarding certificates for outstanding academic performance.
The headteachers also discussed ways of strengthening cooperation among school leaders, improving teaching standards and creating a better learning environment across Mukono Municipality
