Speaker of Parliament Hon.Anita Among has tasked the State Minister for Higher Education, John Chrysostom Muyingo, to explain why the Ministry of Education proceeded with the recruitment of teachers for seed schools despite a parliamentary directive to halt the exercise. The directive to suspend recruitment followed allegations of irregularities, including bribery, nepotism, and corruption, in the process.

The matter was raised during the January 9, 2025, parliamentary sitting by Bugabula North MP Maurice Kibalya. He expressed concern that the Ministry continued with the recruitment over the festive season despite the issue being referred to the Education Committee for investigation.

“Parliament halted the recruitment process pending an inquiry into allegations of malpractice. Unfortunately, the Ministry ignored this directive and resumed the exercise during the Christmas period, creating confusion among teachers and schools,” Kibalya noted.

Minister Muyingo, in response, admitted that the recruitment was ongoing but denied acting in defiance of Parliament’s directive. He argued that the process was necessary to ensure the smooth operation of 115 seed schools, some of which were set to reopen shortly.

“We advertised the vacancies and began receiving applications. The recruitment process is critical for operational continuity, particularly as schools reopen. Stopping the process would disrupt these schools’ ability to function effectively,” Muyingo explained, adding that he was not aware of the progress of the parliamentary inquiry.

However, Speaker Among was not convinced, emphasizing that Parliament had issued a clear directive in November 2024, instructing a comprehensive investigation into the recruitment exercise. The inquiry, to be conducted jointly by the Education and Public Service Committees, aimed to address accusations of corruption and the appointment of unqualified teachers under the World Bank-supported Seed Secondary Schools program.

Among reminded Muyingo that Parliament expected accountability, stating, “This matter was referred to the Committee for investigation. Why was the directive ignored? Parliament’s authority cannot be disregarded. I expect a full report on this matter by tomorrow.”

The recruitment controversy had initially come to light after State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang admitted to malpractice in the process under the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers (UgIFT) project. The allegations sparked widespread concern over transparency and fairness in the recruitment exercise.

Despite Muyingo’s assurances, Among maintained her position, warning, “Your actions undermine Parliament’s decisions. This is contempt of Parliament, and it must be addressed immediately.”