Buzeki Warns Teachers Against Neglecting Government Schools As Enrolment Falls

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki has issued a stern warning to teachers in government schools, urging them not to enroll their own children in private institutions. Buzeki argued that this practice erodes public confidence in Universal Primary Education (UPE) institutions and directly contributes to declining enrollment, potentially jeopardizing teachers' jobs.

Speaking at the handover of renovated facilities at Bukoto Muslim Primary School, Buzeki questioned why teachers educate other people's children in government schools while sending their own elsewhere. She emphasized that teachers must lead by example, demonstrating trust and pride in the schools where they work. Buzeki likened the situation to a salesperson who does not believe in their own product, questioning what message it sends about the quality of education provided.

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You are teaching other people's children here, but your own child is in another school. What are you teaching? If you are teaching in Bukoto Muslim Primary School and cannot bring your child here, how will other people trust you and hand over their children to you?

Buzeki highlighted the significant government investment in public education through salaries, infrastructure, and grants. She stressed that teachers have a responsibility to attract learners to the schools they serve. With KCCA intensifying efforts to boost enrollment following facility improvements, increased enrollment will now be a key performance target for head teachers and teaching staff. "Come next year, each teacher should come with five children," Buzeki stated, warning that schools with persistently low enrollment could face closure or repurposing.

The KCCA chief challenged teachers to actively mobilize parents and communities to enroll children in government schools, urging them to be as proactive as a salesperson calling for customers. This warning comes amid ongoing concerns that many parents continue to prefer private schools despite government efforts to enhance public education. Buzeki indicated that enrollment growth would be a measurable target for educators.

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Come next year, each teacher should come with five children. When enrollment runs down, you know that you have no job because you are here to teach.