Police in Gulu City West division are holding the head teacher and bursar of Christ the King Demonstration Primary school in Bardege-Layibi division for sending pupils away over examination fees in total violation of the presidential directive.
The head teacher Pauline Akello and the bursar Innocent Apiyo were arrested on Thursday at 9:00am by Jane Francis Amongin Okili, the Gulu Resident City Commissioner (RCC) who was inspecting schools and found pupils being sent away over examination fees.
The school was allegedly demanding UGX 5,000 from pupils in primary one to five and UGX 8,000 for primary six and seven for beginning of term exams.
Amongin, the Gulu RCC said the president has made it clear that no child should be sent away over fees instead schools should negotiate with parents.
Okili said the arrest of the two should serve as a warning to other school heads adding that they will not tolerate people who frustrate government programs.
Ricard Irwenyo, the Gulu City education Officer confirmed the arrest saying it is unfortunate that one of their best head teachers is being detained for going against the presidential orders.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has on several occasions emphasized the need for school authorities to fully implement free education policy in government schools.
