The Ministry of Education and Sports is considering promoting over 180 secondary school headteachers currently serving in acting or caretaker positions, according to newly appointed Permanent Secretary Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda.
Dr. Turyagyenda said the move aims to improve school management by ensuring that only qualified individuals hold permanent headteacher roles.
“The ministry will recommend acting and caretaker headteachers who meet the requirements to the Education Service Commission for interviews and possible promotion,” she stated in a letter dated October 8, 2024.
Uganda’s public service regulations allow a maximum of 12 months for acting appointments in public office.
If an acting role extends beyond six months, it must be formally renewed for another six months.
Otherwise, the appointment becomes invalid, and the individual reverts to their original position.
Many of the acting headteachers under consideration have already exceeded these time limits, some serving in caretaker roles for over a year.
Schools have assigned deputy headteachers or classroom teachers to fill gaps, but this has created uncertainty for those managing schools without formal appointments.
A One-Time Promotion Opportunity
Dr. Turyagyenda clarified that the ministry’s decision to promote acting headteachers is a one-time measure to address the issue.
After these promotions, no further caretaker or acting headteacher appointments will be permitted.
Applicants for these roles must submit their applications and supporting documents to the ministry’s permanent secretary. To qualify, candidates must:
-Hold a master’s degree in education or a related field
-Have at least 12 years of teaching experience in a government/ government-aided secondary school
-Have served three years as a substantive deputy headteacher
Additionally, candidates are required to provide recommendation letters from their school’s board of governors and foundation bodies, if applicable.
They must also submit reports on their achievements in areas such as academic performance, student enrollment, and community engagement.
Boosting Morale
Martin Okiria Obore, the former chairperson of the Association of Secondary School Headteachers of Uganda (ASSHU), welcomed the ministry’s decision.
He explained that appointing non-substantive headteachers dates back to the late Francis Agula, a former secondary education commissioner.
Obore noted that uncertainty about future appointments often undermines the authority of acting headteachers.
“Being appointed as a substantive headteacher removes those doubts and gives them the confidence to lead effectively,” he said.
He applauded the ministry’s decision to emphasise these acting headteachers for promotion before opening the positions to new applicants, calling it “well-deserved recognition” for their dedication.
Obore believes this step will encourage others serving in temporary roles by demonstrating that their efforts could lead to permanent appointments.
The ministry hopes the new appointments will ensure more stable leadership across Uganda’s secondary schools, improving the learning environment and administrative efficiency.
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