You’re A Child Molester! Minister Balaam’s Kibiito SS Directive Bites Teacher

A directive issued by Minister of State for Local Gov’t, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, concerning the continued presence of a teacher at Kibiito Senior Secondary School has resurfaced, with the Bunyangabu District Education Officer ordering the immediate departure of Mr. Joseph Kato from the institution.

In a letter dated October 7, 2026, addressed to the headteacher of Kibiito Senior Secondary School, the District Education Officer, Sanyu Robert, directed that Kato leave the school with immediate effect, citing concerns raised by stakeholders over his return to the institution despite previous allegations of sexual harassment involving female students.

The letter, titled “Reinstatement of Mr. Kato Joseph as a Teacher in Kibiito Secondary School,” states that the district office had received complaints from several stakeholders about the teacher’s return and what the complainants described as a disruption of studies at the school.

According to the document, the allegations had previously been reported and addressed by Hon. Balaam, during a visit to the district on August 20, 2026.

The letter claims that the minister instructed Kato to vacate the school during a public baraza held at Kibiito Secondary School playground. However, the district education office says the teacher was subsequently seen at the school again, reportedly on the grounds that he had been reinstated by the Board of Governors and the Parents-Teachers Association executive committee.

The DEO expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the reported reinstatement, reminding the headteacher of the institution’s responsibility to guide the Board of Governors and the PTA on school-related matters.

“The purpose of this communication is therefore to let Mr. Kato Joseph leave the school with immediate effect as instructed by Hon. Minister of Local Government,” the letter states.

The directive places renewed attention on the management of allegations involving teachers and the protection of learners in schools. It also raises questions about the authority under which Kato was reportedly reinstated and whether the concerns previously raised by stakeholders had been adequately addressed.

The latest development leaves the school administration facing the task of implementing the district’s directive while ensuring that any allegations are handled through appropriate procedures and that learners’ welfare remains a priority.

The letter was copied to the Resident District Commissioner, the Chairperson of the Bunyangabu District Local Council, the District Internal Security Officer, the Chief Administrative Officer, the District Inspector of Schools, the District Probation Officer, the Area GISO, and the chairpersons of the school’s Board of Governors and PTA, among other officials.

Whether the reported reinstatement will be formally reviewed and whether the allegations against Kato will be subjected to further investigation remain key questions.