Police in Alebtong district have registered General Enquiry File No. 015/2026 to investigate allegations of inflated learner enrolment figures.

The three primary schools in the district facing investigations are Amononeno Primary School in Abako sub-county, Owalo Primary School in Amugu sub-county and Amugu Quran Primary School in Amugu sub-county.

SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, PRO of North Kyoga Region, said the matter was formally reported to Alebtong Police Station by Captain Sserugo Simon, the District Internal Security Officer (DISO) for Alebtong district.

Preliminary findings indicate that discussions had been held between the district management and the administrations of the above-mentioned schools regarding school operations and learner enrolment figures.

However, the discrepancies in the reported enrolments were not resolved, prompting an on-site headcount that reportedly revealed significant differences between the declared and actual numbers of learners.

The preliminary figures obtained indicate the following discrepancies: In Amononeno Primary School, the reported enrolment increased from 1,000 learners to 1,531, representing a difference of 531 learners.

In Amugu Quran Primary School, the reported enrolment increased from 174 learners to 371 learners, representing a difference of 197 learners.

In Owalo Primary School, the reported enrolment increased from 879 learners to 1,015 learners, a difference of 136 learners.

Following the report, a General Enquiry File was opened at Alebtong District Central Police Station to facilitate investigations into the alleged irregularities.

The three head teachers, namely Okwel Norbert of Amononeno Primary School, Odong Charles of Amugu Quran Primary School, and Okello Emmanuel of Owalo Primary School, have been arrested and detained to assist police with the ongoing investigations, according to the PRO.

“The alleged inflation of learner enrolment figures is a matter of serious concern, particularly given the potential implications for the allocation and utilisation of government resources intended to support school operations and service delivery,” he added.

SP Okema stated that if proven, such irregularities could result in the misappropriation of public resources and undermine the delivery of quality education.

“The Police wish to reassure the public that investigations are ongoing and that appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the law based on the findings.

Members of the public, Okema said, are urged to remain calm and refrain from speculation as the relevant authorities continue with the investigations.

“The suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law,” he concluded.