By Robert Segawa
The Uganda Police Force has issued a stern warning to school heads and proprietors against misappropriating money collected from parents for the registration of candidates sitting national examinations conducted by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).
The warning follows the recent release of UNEB guidelines and timelines for the registration of candidates for this year’s final examinations.
Addressing journalists at Police Headquarters in Naguru on Monday, Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Rusoke Kituuma said some school administrators have developed a habit of collecting examination fees from parents but diverting the money to other activities, leaving candidates unregistered.
Kituuma described the practice as a serious violation that jeopardizes learners’ futures and undermines the country’s education system.
“It is unfortunate that some head teachers and school proprietors collect UNEB registration fees from parents and then use the money for other purposes. This is a dangerous practice that wastes learners’ education and future opportunities,” he said.
He warned that any school head found culpable would face criminal charges and possible imprisonment.
“It is painful for a candidate to lose an entire academic year after failing to sit for final examinations despite having paid the required registration fees. We shall not tolerate this. Anyone found involved will be arrested and prosecuted,” Kituuma said.
The police spokesperson further noted that school heads would not be shielded from prosecution on grounds of illness or any other excuse once investigations establish criminal liability.
He also urged parents to report schools that charge examination registration fees far above the amounts prescribed by UNEB.
“Parents and members of the public should report any school that imposes exorbitant examination fees or fails to register candidates after receiving payment. Such cases will be investigated and those responsible prosecuted,” he said.
Kituuma emphasized that police will work closely with education authorities to ensure that all candidates who pay examination fees are duly registered and allowed to sit their examinations.
The warning comes as schools across the country begin the process of registering candidates for the forthcoming UNEB examinations.
