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The New Vision, Kampala, 12 November 2008

Teachers Face Axe Over Caning

By Fortunate Ahimbisibwe
Kampala

The Government will sack head teachers and teachers who use corporal punishment to discipline students and pupils, the higher education state minister has said.

Addressing journalists in Kampala recently, Gabriel Opio said caning has been linked to the high drop out rate in schools.

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The just-concluded education sector review conference resolved to end corporal punishment in schools. The education ministry also launched a handbook on alternatives to corporal punishment.

Corporal punishment was abolished in schools in 2006 but the practice has continued in several schools countrywide.

Education Funding Agencies Group coordinator Kevin Kelly said although the Government spends a lot of money on primary education, the completion rate had remained at 50%.

"The low completion rate should be a national concern and all stakeholders should put their efforts to reduce dropout among pupils," he said.

On absenteeism by teachers and pupils, Opio said the vice had undermined efforts to improve performance in schools.

The education ministry recently launched the quality enhancement initiative to improve performance in primary schools.

Permanent secretary Francis Lubanga said there was a continued shortage of qualified teachers as a result of the slow recruitment by the Education Service Commission.

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