Headteachers in Rukungiri Municipality have been challenged to strengthen school management, teacher supervision and accountability as part of efforts to improve learners' academic performance.
The call was made by the Municipal Education Officer, Robert Agume, during a beginning-of-term meeting with headteachers of government-aided and private primary and secondary schools in the municipality.
Agume urged headteachers to closely monitor teacher attendance and learners' academic performance while ensuring that teachers have schemes of work and lesson plans.
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He also directed schools to account for all funds received, including capitation grants, and submit any outstanding accountabilities.
"Submit minutes of School Management Committee meetings to their respective municipal divisions," Agume said.
Agume emphasised the need for schools to make maximum use of official instructional days to cover the syllabus instead of relying on holidays, noting that effective use of teaching time is key to improving academic performance.
"Headteachers should ensure all learners are registered on the Education Management Information System (EMIS) and also prepare clear programmes ahead of the new term opening," Agume said.
The Municipal Inspector of Schools, Isaiah Tinkimurekura, cautioned headteachers against employing unqualified or incompetent teachers, saying teacher quality directly affects the quality of education.
Tinkimurekura urged headteachers to support teachers in developing schemes of work and lesson plans and to implement recommendations from previous school inspections before the new term begins.
"Schools should strengthen and update school clubs, including environmental clubs, and assign teachers to supervise them," Tinkimurekura said.
Education officials also underscored the need for increased investment in training primary school teachers to strengthen the teaching workforce and prepare for future challenges in the education sector.
Headteachers were reminded to invite School Management Committee members for the swearing-in and induction exercise scheduled for September 18, 2026.
Rukungiri Municipality Mayor Boaz Kansiime Matiita commended the education department for identifying challenges in schools early, saying timely intervention prevents problems from escalating and improves service delivery.
The meeting, which brought together headteachers from across the municipality, focused on preparations for the new term, effective teaching and learning, accountability, and the roles of different education stakeholders.
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