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Speaker Among directed Muyingo to give an explanation why they did not listen to Parliament
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By Our Reporter
Parliament - The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has directed the Minister of State for Higher Education, John Muyingo, to explain why the Ministry of Education ignored Parliament’s directive to halt the recruitment of teachers for seed schools across the country. The recruitment process, marred by allegations of corruption, bribery, and nepotism, was supposed to be suspended following a petition referred to the Committee on Education.
Among’s directive came after a concern raised by Bugabula North MP Maurice Kibalya, who accused the Ministry of Education of continuing with the exercise despite Parliament's intervention. Kibalya pointed out that the Ministry carried on with the recruitment during the festive season, disregarding the ongoing investigation by the Education Committee.
“There was an issue concerning the recruitment of teachers in seed schools, and you referred the matter to the Committee of Education. But during the Christmas season, the process continued, and recruitment is ongoing. We haven’t received the Committee’s report, yet teachers and schools are left wondering what is happening next,” said Kibalya.
Kibalya
In response, Minister Muyingo admitted that the recruitment process was ongoing but defended the Ministry's actions, citing operational needs of the schools.
“It is true we have advertised, and people have started applying. The recruitment process started, not out of disregard for Parliament, but because halting it would disrupt operations in 115 schools. We are trying our best to ensure fairness, but if this exercise were stopped, these schools would not function properly as they prepare to reopen,” Muyingo explained.
Muyingo
However, Speaker Among dismissed the justification, stressing that the Ministry’s actions undermined Parliament’s authority and ignored the concerns raised in the petition.
“There was a complaint and a petition regarding this issue. How have you addressed that? You disregarded Parliament's decision. Haven’t these schools been operating before? Go, follow up, and report back. I need a report on this matter tomorrow,” Among demanded.
The controversy over the teacher recruitment process has raised concerns about transparency and accountability in public service hiring. Parliament is expected to take further action after receiving the Education Committee's report.
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