Two teachers arrested for conducting lessons in Arua

Arua, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Two teachers including a head teacher in Arua city have been arrested for conducting lessons against the presidential directive on COVID-19 prevention.

David Ondoma, the head teacher and Margaret Wanjiri of Lauka, a private primary school in Golf Course Cell Arua Central Division were picked up today morning by police detectives at the school as they conducted lessons. The two teachers are currently detained at Arua Central Police Station.

Four other teachers whose names are still to be established are reportedly on the run and are being hunted for by the police.

According to reports from the police detectives who carried out the arrest, the teachers were found teaching 15 pupils of different classes.

Hudson Ocen, the police spokesperson for W. Nile confirmed the arrest of the teachers and the pupils but said the 15 pupils were cautioned and released to go home while the head teacher and one other female teacher were apprehended and brought to Arua CPS. Ocen added that the two have been charged with disobedience of lawful orders, risking lives of pupils and neglect act likely to spread infectious disease as further investigations continue.

Martin Oroch, the Resident City Commissioner Arua has condemned the actions of the teachers and the school owner for going against the COVID-19 preventive guidelines and said appropriate punishment will be administered to the culprits. He also warned other school proprietors and teachers against violating the presidential and Ministry of Health guidelines on COVID-19 prevention.

A month ago, over 20 pupils and five teachers were arrested while conducting lessons in Koboko municipality and teachers were arrested and charged for disobeying presidential orders.

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