Transfers in schools are usually a routine process, aimed at improving leadership, skills, and performance.
However, in Mukono District, the recent transfer of a new headteacher to Mukono High School sparked controversy, with tensions running high.
The Diocese of Mukono has outrightly rejected the newly posted headteacher.
The firm objection was made public by the Diocesan Bishop, Enos Kitto Kagodo, during a press conference at Mpumu Church of Uganda on Monday evening.
The Bishop voiced the Church’s concerns about the transfer, stating that the decision was not aligned with the values and expectations of the Diocese, leading to this unusual resistance.
The bishop expressed his surprise upon learning that Richard Katongole, the Deputy Headteacher at Bishop SS, was appointed to Mukono High School without the diocese’s involvement in the decision.
In May, the Ministry of Education had issued a letter assigning Katongole to replace Frederick Mbaziira Kawumi, whose term as headteacher ended in August.
However, Bishop Kagodo, who is new to the diocese, had already requested the ministry to include the diocese in selecting the new headteacher.
“I received a response from the ministry two weeks ago, asking to schedule a meeting with the permanent secretary to discuss potential candidates.
But today, I was shocked to see someone claiming they were appointed back in May,” Bishop Kagodo said.
Bishop Kagodo stressed that as the founding body, the diocese must be part of the selection process to ensure the new headteacher upholds Anglican values alongside maintaining strong performance at Mukono High School.
Mukono High, the largest school in the district, accommodates over 2,500 students from senior one to senior six.
Efforts to get a response from Richard Katongole and the Ministry of Education have been unsuccessful.
Daniel Lumu, the Deputy Chairperson of the school’s board, confirmed that the letter appointing Katongole first surfaced in May.
The board advised waiting, as the current headteacher, Kawumi, was still in office.
Lumu added that the ministry has now acknowledged the diocese’s role in discussing potential candidates, and the board found it fair for Kawumi to complete the school year to avoid disruptions for the students, especially the candidates.
Kawumi, nearing retirement, has been headteacher for five years after transferring from Ndeeba SS in Kayunga district.
English 