Head teachers probed over telecom masts

By Brian Mayanja

The Police have started investigating circumstances under which three head teachers allegedly signed agreements with HITS Telecom Uganda, to set up telecommunication masts on school land.

The three head teachers who are under spot include that of Kitebi Primary School, John Bosco Masiko and Nakasero Primary School’s David Ssengedo. Also being investigated is the head of East Kololo Primary School.

The Police recently summoned Masiko and Ssengedo for interrogation at the CPS in Kampala.

The move follows complaints by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), alleging that the three head teachers had illegally signed agreements with the telecom firm. 

An agreement signed in 2007 between Kitebi and HITS Telecom indicates that part of the school land was leased for 10 years to construct an antenna tower, an equipment room and installation of fuel tanks.

According to the agreement, the firm pays about sh20m ($8,000) annually.

The agreement with Kitebi School stipulates that money should be deposited in Bank of Africa, Equatorial branch, Kitebi PTA account.

Jacob Lukambuzi, KCCA’s head of monitoring and inspection unit, said Masiko failed to account for the funds generated from the project since he took office.

“He told us only sh13m was available on the school account. When we pressurised him to produce the bank statement, he said the account had sh2m. This is why we have called for investigations,” he explained.