The Education Department in Nebbi Municipality is working to locate three primary school teachers who have abandoned their duty stations, reportedly fleeing from aggressive moneylenders seeking to recover unpaid loans.

According to Nebbi Municipality Education Officer Peter Openjtho, the teachers, two from Nyacara Primary School and one from Afere Primary School, left without submitting formal resignation letters.

Openjtho confirmed that headteachers from the affected schools reported the incidents, prompting the education department to launch an investigation to establish the teachers’ whereabouts.

“We have so far identified three teachers who have abandoned their duty stations without official communication. Their cases will be reviewed by the Education Sanctions Committee, which will determine whether they should remain on the payroll,” Openjtho explained.

The situation highlights the growing financial struggles faced by teachers in the municipality. Nebbi Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Robert Abak disclosed that many teachers are deeply indebted to microfinance institutions and local moneylenders.

In some cases, loan deductions leave them with as little as UGX 50,000 from their monthly salaries.

“Teachers are overwhelmed by debt from multiple loans, which has demoralised them. Some have left the profession altogether, not because of low pay but due to the stress caused by their financial burdens,” the RDC said.

One of the missing teachers, Ms. Doreen Oroma from Afere Primary School, reportedly disappeared in July after learning that moneylenders were actively searching for her.

The school’s headteacher, Joyce Amaniyo, expressed dismay over the situation, describing it as unprecedented in her career.

“This is the first time in my 50 years of the school’s existence that a teacher has abandoned their post without formal notification. Ms. Oroma’s absence has been reported to the education department, but we still do not know her whereabouts,” Amaniyo stated.

The issue was brought up during the golden jubilee celebrations at Afere Primary School, marking half a century of the school’s history.

Area Member of Parliament Suleiman Hashim urged teachers to avoid taking multiple loans and instead adopt sustainable practices such as farming to supplement their income.

“Teachers facing financial difficulties need support and counselling to rebuild their livelihoods and return to their posts,” Hashim said.

The education department has pledged to work with local authorities to trace the missing teachers and address the financial challenges that have led to their disappearance. Officials are also encouraging teachers to seek advice and support in managing their finances to prevent similar situations in the future.