Two Drunk Teachers Arrested for Disrupting Student Mock Exams in Lira

By The Ugandan Daily

LIRA: The tranquility of Ladere Primary School in Lira Palwo Sub-County was shattered when two teachers, Joseph Odoch and Denis Obonyo, were apprehended by Agago Police for causing disturbances during Primary Seven mock examinations. The incident, marred by their apparent intoxication, has raised concerns about the integrity of the educational environment.

The teachers, who hail from Ladere Primary School, were detained following the directive of the school's head teacher, Charles Obwoch. The principal had previously cautioned both Odoch and Obonyo, securing their verbal pledges to abstain from alcohol during examination times.

However, on Thursday morning, both teachers arrived at the school premises evidently under the influence of alcohol. Their disruptive behavior included confiscating examination papers from students, openly divulging answers, and using inappropriate language in the presence of the young learners.

One concerned parent, John Ocaya, shed light on the teachers' notoriety for using indecorous language in the community. He strongly condemned their actions, stating that their behavior tarnishes the professional reputation of educators. Ocaya revealed that local businesses had collectively resolved to refrain from selling alcohol to these teachers due to their unsavory conduct.

Despite these efforts, the teachers managed to circumvent the restriction by enlisting others to purchase alcohol on their behalf from various sources.

Luka Okidi, the chairperson of the School Management Committee, expressed profound concern about the teachers' disruptive actions. He confirmed that the matter had been reported to the district education officer. Okidi argued that the teachers should be held accountable under the law for their repeated absenteeism, negative influence on students, and overall dereliction of duty.

Following their arrest, Joseph Odoch and Denis Obonyo were taken to Patongo Police Station, where a case was registered under SD 16/17/18/2023. However, ASP Brian Ampaire, the District Police Commander of Agago, revealed that the teachers were subsequently released after receiving a warning.

Ladere Primary School, which caters to 620 pupils as a government-aided institution, faces a challenge in its recent performance in the Primary Leaving Examinations. Notably, none of the 78 candidates managed to achieve a first-grade result, prompting reflection on the school's overall academic environment and the impact of disruptive incidents like these.