A controversy has emerged between Mukono Diocese and the Ministry of Education following the appointment of Richard Katongole, Deputy Headteacher of Bishop Senior School, to replace Fredrick Mbaziira Kawumi, the outgoing headteacher of Mukono High School. The diocese, which plays a central role in the governance of its schools, has objected to Katongole’s appointment, citing a lack of consultation with the church leadership.
The controversy began when the Ministry of Education, without consulting Mukono Diocese, assigned Richard Katongole to take over the headship of Mukono High School after the term of Fredrick Mbaziira Kawumi expired in August. On receiving the letter announcing Katongole’s appointment, Bishop Enos Kiito Kagodo, the top leader of Mukono Diocese and the chairman of the school’s governing body, rejected the ministry’s decision.
Bishop Kagodo made it clear that the Diocese had not been consulted, an essential requirement given that Mukono High School, like other diocesan schools, operates under the joint governance of the church and the Ministry of Education. This failure to adhere to established procedures has sparked tension between the Ministry and the Diocese.
Mukono Diocese holds a prominent position in the governance of several regional schools, including Mukono High School. The Diocese has always emphasized that appointments to senior positions, especially headteachers, must go through its channels to ensure that the selected candidates align with educational and spiritual values. This process ensures the continuity of the school’s religious mission alongside its academic excellence.
Bishop Kagodo stated, “We cannot allow shortcuts in such a vital matter. The Ministry of Education needs to respect our structures, particularly when it comes to leadership positions within schools under our jurisdiction. The appointment of headteachers in these institutions must reflect our shared mission of academic and spiritual development.”
Bishop Kagodo claims that he had earlier requested the ministry to go through the proper channels that involve the church for proper selection, and in response, the ministry had requested him to schedule a meeting with the permanent secretary to discuss the potential candidates to head the school, only to be shocked to see someone claiming he was appointed in May.
“I received a letter from the Ministry of Education two weeks ago requesting me to schedule a meeting with the permanent secretary to discuss potential candidates, only to be shocked by some people claiming they were appointed in May. That’s not how our system works,” Kagodo said.
In May this year, the Ministry of Education issued a letter appointing Katogole to replace Kawumi, whose term had expired in the middle of the year.
However, the Diocese’s insistence on following the proper channels stems from the belief that school leadership plays a critical role in not only the management of the schools but also in maintaining the moral and spiritual framework that is central to these institutions.
On speaking to the deputy chairperson, Board of Governors Daniel Lumu confirmed receiving the letter appointing Katongole in May this year but advised the ministry to let Fredrick Kawumi complete the year for a proper transition to take place. He also added that the ministry is considering discussion with the board on potential candidates as they push for the headteacher to complete the year to avoid disrupting students, especially those in candidate classes.
Mukono High School is among the biggest schools under the care and governance of the Mukono diocese, accommodating over 2500 students from senior one to senior six. The controversy surrounding the appointment of a new headteacher highlights the need for clear communication regarding the fate of the school.
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