Bukomansimbi, Uganda – Tensions erupted at St. Matia Mulumba Primary School in Kibinge Gombolola as angry parents and residents stormed the campus demanding the immediate arrest of Headteacher Nakalema Molly, whom they accuse of gross mismanagement, academic negligence, and financial misconduct.
The chaotic scene unfolded as a mob of parents physically restrained Nakalema, refusing to release her until the police intervened. The accusations leveled against the headteacher included, misappropriation of UGX 1.5 million in unaccounted PTA contributions,neglect of academic responsibilities, leading to four P7 pupils failing exams due to poor preparation and theft of construction materials allocated for school renovations
Despite the government commissioning a new classroom block in 2023, construction remains incomplete. Pupils are reportedly studying under trees or in crumbling structures, and no meals are provided, forcing some children to scavenge for wild berries during lunch.
Lusiba Leonard, Chairperson of the PTA, expressed long-standing frustration:
“We’ve lodged complaints since last term—no action has been taken.”
Bwanika Deo, the Kibinge Sub-County Chairperson, acknowledged awareness of the situation but blamed “procedural delays” for the lack of intervention.
ASP Kankwasa, the Officer in Charge of Bukomansimbi Police, and Assistant RDC Mutebi Sulayimani were deployed to calm the situation. Their immediate actions were ordering students back to class amid protests, assigning District Inspector Kenneth Mugisha to conduct a full audit of school operations, recommending criminal charges against Nakalema for alleged embezzlement
Now in police custody, Nakalema denies all allegations, claiming:
“Some parents want me out for exposing their children’s poor performance.”
She further blamed missing construction materials on “contractor disputes.”
The incident has spotlighted systemic weaknesses in the monitoring of Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools, and raised critical questions about local government responsiveness to crises in the education sector.
A district audit is set to begin immediately, and the Regional Education Officer (REO) will appoint interim school leadership pending investigations
