By Spy Uganda
The Head Teacher of Namisindwa Senior Secondary School in Mbale District, Seera Margret Kolya, was last week charged with abuse of office over allegations that she irregularly charged students fees contrary to Government policy.
Kolya was arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court following investigations by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, working jointly with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
She was subsequently remanded until September 16, 2026, when she is expected to return to court.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offences were committed between 2024 and 2026, when Kolya was serving as Head Teacher of Namisindwa Senior Secondary School under the Ministry of Education and Sports.
Investigators allege that Kolya abused the authority of her office by irregularly imposing fees on students at the Government school, despite the school receiving Government capitation grants.
The prosecution alleges that she charged UGX 65,000 per student to 122 students, generating approximately UGX 7.93 million per term.
According to the investigators, the charges translated into approximately UGX 23.79 million annually if collected across three school terms.
The anti-corruption agencies contend that the fees were unlawfully imposed on students in a Government-aided school, allegedly contravening provisions of the Education Act and Government policy.
The case has raised concerns over the enforcement of Government policies on fees in public schools and the accountability of school administrators entrusted with public resources and institutions.
Kolya’s arrest and arraignment form part of ongoing anti-corruption investigations targeting public officials accused of abusing their positions for personal or unauthorised financial gain.
The authorities linked the operation to the continued “Expose the Corrupt” national campaign, which seeks to strengthen accountability and combat corruption in public institutions.
The campaign is being spearheaded by Minister of Local Government Hon. Balaam Barugahara as part of wider efforts to address corruption and improve accountability in local government and public service.
Kolya will remain on remand until September 16 as the court considers the case.
She is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
