Head teacher suspended over embezzlement of funds

Kitgum district education committee has suspended the head teacher of Putuke Primary School in Matidi Sub County over allegations of embezzlement of school funds amounting to over sh7.6m.

 was side-lined to pave way for investigations following allegations that he misappropriated sh7.6m in UPE and development funds.

The Kitgum district inspector of schools, Helen Okunyjiro, said Canogura's suspension takes immediate effect.

The Kitgum district education secretary, Jenifer Amono Opira, condemned head teachers who embezzle school funds saying this is an impediment to raising the standard of education in the district.

She wondered how the cash books used for collecting money from parents have disappeared.

The LC3 chairperson, Oketayot Kenneth Aro, said the sub county leadership will not tolerate any more acts of corruption in schools and other sectors in the sub county.

"This government is different from the past one. If you enjoyed corruption during the past government, am not a party to that, I will handle you accordingly," Oketayot said. 

He accused the head teacher of being a lazy person who likes dodging work. Oketayot also said he will not tolerate embezzlement of examination fees during his tenure. 

A section of parents who spoke to New Vision over the incident said Putuke Primary School has been grappling with many challenges over a long period under the suspended head teacher. 

The district education committee tasked the deputy head teacher Josephine Akun to take care of the school. 

Putuke currently enrols 713 pupils.