KAMPALA – The management of Lohana Academy in Kampala has described as malicious a letter claiming that the school favours non-Ugandan pupils and mistreats the nationals.
The letter, which was authored by a pupil only identified as Tisha, on Monday, September 2, started circulating on social media, accusing the school administration of administering corporal punishment on Ugandan pupil and favouring the foreigners in terms of meals and attention.
However, the school administration has said the letter is only meant to tarnish their image as there is no pupil in the school called by that name and that the school has never discriminated against any pupil.
“Firstly, we checked our records and we do not have anyone by the name ‘Tisha’. Therefore, we could like to categorically refute such misleading information and state as follows; Lohana Academy is one of the three Lohana Schools operating in Uganda since 1955 and we have a good track record of excellence in education, discipline, values, hygiene and the general care of pupils. Lohana Academy currently has 1,497 pupils, of whom 97% are Ugandans and only 3% non-Ugandans. Lohana Academy is not an international school. It is a local community school that teaches all children and follows the UNEB curriculum,” the school statement released on September 3 reads in part.
In the letter, the purported pupil also said that Ugandans are not allowed to pack while the Indians are allowed. However, the school dismissed the claims.
“We also would like to clarify that parents pack lunch for their children. However, we emphasize that the food is warm and must be delivered to the designated place, well monitored by the school administration for the safety of the children,” added the school statement signed by Margaret Kafeero and Bharat Manek, the Head Teacher and Principal respectively.
“Finally, corporal punishments are against the school rules and it is clearly stated in the terms and conditions of service for our teachers and administrators. All children are equal and are treated the same regardless of their background,” the statement said.
Established in 1995 under the leadership of Mr. Joseph Almeida, the school aims to offer quality education.