Head teachers told to account for iron sheets in Jinja asbestos removal exercise

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Head teachers and health centre in-charges in Jinja have been warned against diverting iron sheets supplied by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) for the replacement of asbestos roofs in government schools and other public facilities.

Jinja city mayor Abdul Hafiz Nagaya cautioned administrators against misusing or diverting the iron sheets intended for replacing old asbestos roofs, saying such actions would frustrate government efforts to provide safer learning and working environments for learners and staff.

He issued the warning on June 1, 2026, while overseeing the distribution of 4,980 iron sheets to eight government-aided primary and secondary schools in Jinja city. The beneficiaries include Kiira College Butiki (780), MM Wanyange Primary School (500), Wanyange Girls Secondary School (300), Jinja Army Primary School (500), Walukuba East Primary School (500), Jinja College (150), Victoria Nile School (150), PMM Girls Secondary School (500) and Kiira Primary School (300 iron sheets).

Other beneficiaries include St James Secondary School (600), Bugembe Outpatients Department (300), Budondo staff house and store (200) and Walukuba Health Centre IV (200 pieces).

“Kindly put the consignment to the right use because, as you know, we have been having issues of some government officials implicated in swindling iron sheets from the office of the prime minister ad we don’t want you to also fall victim,” he warned.

He added that asbestos roofing has been linked to serious health complications and stressed that the iron sheets were procured using public funds and must strictly be used for their intended purpose.

"Any head teacher, contractor or school administrator found misusing or diverting these iron sheets will be held personally responsible and face disciplinary and legal action," he warned, adding that the city still faces challenges in schools and health centre IVs, including a shortage of staff houses.

Peter Mawerere, the Jinja city senior clerk, said asbestos roofing poses a danger to learners, teachers and other occupants of affected buildings. He noted that scientific research shows prolonged exposure to asbestos fibres can cause severe respiratory illnesses and other health complications.

He said the government’s intervention aims at creating a safer and more conducive learning environment for children by replacing hazardous roofing materials with modern iron sheets.

“Many of our schools and public institutions were roofed with asbestos several years ago. Research has shown that asbestos is a hazardous material. Government has therefore stepped in to support local governments in replacing these roofs,” he said.

He pledged that city authorities would ensure the iron sheets are used strictly for their intended purpose and called on school administrators to remain accountable.

“We are grateful to government for this kind gesture. As a city, we commit ourselves to putting these iron sheets to good use so that our children can study in a safe and healthy environment,” he said.

He urged beneficiaries to ensure transparency in the use of the roofing materials to safeguard the lives of learners and staff.

Paul Baliraine, the Jinja city education officer, who praised government for the support, said that two years ago the city received a consignment of 900 iron sheets from the OPM, which were used appropriately.

“After a needs assessment, we saw that most secondary schools were left out. Through the office of the town clerk, we requested more assistance, which has been delivered and hope it will greatly impact on learners' environment,” Baliraine said.

He said the replacement exercise will be implemented according to government guidelines to ensure the safe removal and disposal of asbestos materials.

He urged school management committees, parents and local leaders to closely monitor the projects and report any cases of theft, diversion or misuse of the iron sheets.

"The government is investing heavily in improving school infrastructure and safeguarding the health of learners. Every iron sheet delivered to a school must be accounted for," he said.

Michael Kasede, the Jinja city assistant resident city commissioner, said transparency and accountability remain key requirements in the implementation of the programme.

He said education officers, head teachers and contractors will be required to account for all materials supplied by the OPM.

He noted that the asbestos replacement programme is expected to benefit several schools across the Busoga sub-region and contribute to safer and healthier learning environments for thousands of learners.

He also said the OPM distribution of iron sheets is part of a nationwide initiative to phase out asbestos roofing materials.

Jackline Kutesa Kalule, the headmistress of St James Secondary School and vice chairperson of the Head Teachers Association of Uganda for the private sector, said asbestos fibres pose serious health risks when inhaled, and are associated with respiratory diseases, including lung cancer and asbestosis.

She welcomed the intervention, saying the replacement of asbestos roofs will greatly improve the safety of learners and staff. She added that several buildings at her school have been in a deteriorating condition for years and require urgent rehabilitation.