MBALE
The head teacher of Namisindwa Senior Secondary School in Mbale District, Seera Margret Kolya, has been charged with abuse of office over allegations of illegally charging students fees.
Seera was arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court by the Inspectorate of Government, working in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). She was remanded in custody until September 16, 2026.
According to investigations, Seera allegedly abused the authority of her office between 2024 and 2026 while serving as head teacher of Namisindwa Senior Secondary School under the Ministry of Education and Sports.
She is accused of irregularly charging students fees in contravention of the law and government policy.
The prosecution alleges that Seera charged 122 students Shs65,000 each per term, generating Shs7.93 million per term and approximately Shs23.79 million annually.
Investigators allege that the charges were imposed despite the school receiving government capitation grants.
The prosecution contends that the collection of the fees from students at a government school contravened provisions of the Education Act and government policy on public education.
Seera's arrest and arraignment form part of the ongoing "Expose the Corrupt" National Campaign, spearheaded by Minister of Local Government Hon. Balaam Barugahara, aimed at strengthening accountability and addressing corruption in local governments. She will return to court on September 16, 2026.
The allegations against Seera have not been proven in court, and she is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
