The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kasese has ordered the remand of Mr. Remegio Thembo Ikwera, the head teacher of Kasese Primary School, to Mubuku Government Prison until 3rd August 2023 pending a ruling on his bail application.
During the court proceedings presided over by Her Worship Ajok Betty, it was revealed that Mr. Remegio unlawfully chased learners benefiting from the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program at Kasese Primary School this term due to unpaid school dues, which goes against the guidelines set for Universal Primary education.
Senior State Attorney Counsel Oundo Godfrey did not object to the bail application and the sureties presented by Mr. Ikwera Thembo Remegio’s legal team, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Counsel Mishele Geoffrey from Bagenda and Co. advocates, the lawyer representing Mr. Ikwera, presented sureties and requested the court to consider his client’s bail application, citing his poor health after cross-examining the first witness, Kasese Resident District Commissioner Lt. Joe Walunsimbi. However, the court did not grant the request.
In a separate hearing, Ms. Margret Ithungu, a primary teacher from Bulembia, was released on bail until 3rd August 2023.
Hon. Robert Centenary, the former Member of Parliament for Kasese Municipality, issued a warning to parents in an interview, urging them not to comply with headteachers demanding development fees outside of the agreements made in Parents and Teachers Association meetings for the benefit of their children.
Mr. Tom B Masereka, the head teacher of Mburakasaka Primary School, who attended the court proceedings, expressed concern about the future of learners if such arrests continue in Kasese district. Mr. Tom emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to ensure effective learning for pupils in the region.
