By: Melanie Aanyu

Three primary school head teachers in Luuka district, eastern Uganda have been arrested for alleged misappropriation of Covid-19 recovery funds.

In 2021, the funds were disbursed to refurbish different government primary schools that had been closed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The suspects who are currently detained at Luuka central police station are; Juma Balikudembe, the head teacher of Nakabugu primary school, Sarah Kadondo, the head teacher of Buyunze primary school and Zekiyo Akewa, the head teacher of Namumela primary school.

A copy of a letter from the whistleblower, Balikudembe, reported that the primary seven classroom block had been de-roofed following heavy rains and was given Shs 5.7 million to finance repairs.

However, on inspecting the premises, it was established that the building was never destroyed.

Samuel Musiho, the Luuka district resident commissioner, says that the head teachers failed to provide accountability for the funds disbursed to their schools, prompting police to effect their arrests.