Soroti, Uganda | Soroti City Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Joan Alobo Acom, has condemned the theft of Sh1.2 million from Kichinjaji Primary School over the Easter break, calling for urgent police action and stronger security in schools.
During a fact-finding visit to the school on Friday, Hon. Alobo expressed outrage after school administrators revealed that suspected thieves broke into the head teacher’s office during the Easter holiday and made off with critical school funds.
“…I strongly condemn the stealing of money meant for the welfare of our children…,” Hon. Alobo said. “…This is an attack not just on the school, but on the future of our learners. I urge the police to expedite investigations so that those responsible are brought to justice…”
According to the Deputy Head Teacher, Ms. Ann Amero, staff members had left for the Easter celebrations on Thursday and returned the following Tuesday to discover the break-in. Only the money, totaling Sh1.2 million, was reported stolen.
“…The staff went for Easter celebrations on Thursday. However, we returned on Tuesday and found the school broken into by suspected thieves…,” Ms. Amero told Hon. Alobo. “…Nothing was taken except for the money, which had been kept in the head teacher’s drawer…”
The stolen money had been earmarked for administrative activities critical to the start of the new school term, and the loss has significantly disrupted the school’s operations.
Following the incident, the security guard on duty during the break-in was arrested to assist the police with investigations. However, no major suspects have yet been identified.
Hon. Alobo urged law enforcement agencies to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves, emphasizing that schools must be protected, particularly during holiday periods when they are most vulnerable.
“…Our schools must be safe havens for both children and staff. If we cannot guarantee the security of educational institutions, we risk compromising the future of our country…,” Hon. Alobo emphasized.
During the visit, the MP also took time to listen to broader concerns raised by the school leadership.
Chief among them was the severe shortage of classrooms, forcing many pupils to study in congested and sometimes open-air environments.
Ms. Amero further decried the alarming lack of parental involvement in school affairs, revealing that out of over 1,200 parents attached to Kichinjaji Primary, barely 15 turn up for critical meetings.
“…We struggle to get parents to participate. Out of 1,200 parents, only about 15 show up when called for important meetings…,” Ms. Amero lamented.
In response, Hon. Alobo pledged to lobby for more support at both local and national levels, promising to advocate for better infrastructure, improved security measures, and greater community involvement.
“…I will engage local leaders and the Ministry of Education to ensure that schools like Kichinjaji Primary receive the attention they deserve…,” she assured.
Meanwhile, the theft has triggered wider concerns among residents of Soroti City East, who are calling for reinforced security protocols around schools during holiday seasons.
Police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing and have appealed to the public for any information that could lead to arrests.
