Police in Tororo District are on the lookout for Jacob Orendi, the headteacher of St. Kizito Okwire Primary School in Nagongera Subcounty, who is accused of defrauding a parent of Shs 100,000. The money was allegedly intended for the registration of a Primary Seven candidate for the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE).
The parent, Michael Alenya, paid the sum to Orendi during the second term of this academic year to register his daughter, Marion Angwena, for the upcoming exams. In return, Angwena was given an index number (010915/030) and completed the registration forms.
However, when the exams commenced, Angwena discovered that her assigned index number had already been given to another candidate, Centurio Oboth. This caused immediate confusion and distress, prompting Alenya to report the issue to local authorities.
The Officer in Charge of Okwire Police Post, Charles Wanuti, visited the school to investigate. Upon checking the official list of candidates, it was discovered that Angwena’s name was missing, and Orendi could not be located. Efforts to contact Orendi were unsuccessful, with the headteacher reportedly claiming poor network coverage.
At the time of reporting, Alenya and his daughter were at the police post, seeking assistance and fearing the consequences of missing the exams. “I have invested so much in my daughter’s education, and the thought of her missing these exams is heartbreaking,” Alenya said.
The local community has expressed outrage over the incident, raising concerns about the impact on Angwena’s future education and mental well-being. Some residents worry that the setback could result in early marriage for the young girl.
Tororo District has a total of 8,488 candidates registered for this year’s PLE, and authorities have promised a thorough investigation. They have assured the public that those responsible for this case of fraud will be held accountable.