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Bishop Twinomujuni of West Ankole Diocese. His dioceses is under scrutiny for ordering termination of School management Committees
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By Our Reporter
Bushenyi – West Ankole Diocese is facing mounting pressure after issuing a directive to overhaul the management committees of its church-founded schools, a move local authorities say contravenes national education laws.
A letter obtained by our reporter, signed by Diocesan Secretary Rev. Canon Joseph Mweyugye, ordered the termination of all existing School Management Committees (SMCs) and their replacement with committees appointed directly by the diocese.
The directive has drawn criticism from district officials. Phionah Sanyu, Chief Administrative Officer of Bushenyi District, stressed that appointing school management committees is the legal responsibility of the District Education Officer (DEO) or the Ministry of Education, citing the Education Act, 2008 and the Education (Pre-Primary, Primary and Post-Primary) Regulations.
She emphasized that SMCs are crucial in ensuring proper administration, financial accountability, and overall school development.
Kakonge Apollo, Chief Executive of the Western Ankole Civil Society Forum and Chairperson of the SMC at Kihungye Primary School in Nyabubare Sub-county, Bushenyi District, has escalated the matter through his lawyers at Kamugisha Deus and Company Advocates. In a formal notice of intention to sue, the lawyers stated:
“You should note that you have no mandate whatsoever to recall the school management committees. By law, the duty to constitute or recall a school management committee rests solely with the Education Minister or District Education Officer. The role of the foundation body is limited to nominating or recommending members, restricted to six of the twelve committee members.”
Kakonge Apollo has threatened to sue the diocese of West Ankole
Kakonge has given the diocese seven days to revoke the decision, warning that failure to comply will result in legal action. It is reported that on July 23, 2025, the Diocese issued and published a notice recalling all existing SMCs of its church-founded schools. The letters were reportedly delivered through school headteachers, who have no legal mandate to constitute or dissolve these committees.
SMCs play a pivotal role in school governance. They oversee budgets, ensure proper use of funds, support headteachers in implementing school programs, monitor adherence to the national curriculum, and encourage community participation. They are also tasked with monitoring infrastructure, learning materials, and staff welfare—all under the supervision of the DEO. According to education law, any attempt to override or usurp these functions amounts to illegal interference.
Torch Media Africa
