Lohana Academy, which recently came under the spotlight after a letter from a pupil emerged highlighting alleged racism has denied the claims.
The letter, written by ‘Tisha’ also says apart from discrimination, black learners are beaten harshly contrary to the constitution.
“A person shall not be discriminated against on the ground of sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion, or social or economic standing, political opinion or disability,” Chapter 21 of the Constitution reads in part.
Lohana Academy is a primary school located in the upscale Kampala suburb of Kololo with a population of about 1,497 pupils, three per cent of who are non Ugandan.
“At the heart of our work is a single-minded focus on high quality teaching and learning delivered by a dedicated and well qualified staff team. I want this to be a school in which students thrive in the classroom. In addition, we offer an extensive range of co-curricular activities to ensure a holistic educational experience. My aim is to use my experience of working in schools in England for 25 years to ensure that the school is the best in Kampala,” a message on the school’s website reads.
Established in 1995 under the leadership of Mr. Joseph Almeida, the school aims to offer quality education.
But this has been disputed by the one brave pupil whose views seem to be shared by many silently suffering pupils.
“I like my school because they teach us well. I like the teachers, the head teacher and the principle. BUT they treat us Ugandans different from Indians. We are not allowed to pack while the Indians are allowed. We get half cooked food while the Indians get to pack their own food. They beat us harshly but talk to Indians. I pray they change and treat us equally,” the learner writes in a letter circulating on social media.
On September 3, the school management responded to the claims saying the information was misleading and that investigations into the source and intention were underway.
Firstly, having checked our records back and forth, we confirm that we don’t have a child currently registered at Lohana Academy by the name ‘Tisha’” the statement signed by Margaret Kafeero and Bharat Manek, the Head Teacher and Principal respectively.
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The statement adds that pupils are allowed to pack food but it must be warm and delivered by 12.30pm.
“…All staff including the headteacher and principal eat the same prepared lunch and cooked by the school. Therefore, the allegations that quality food can be compromised in anyway at our school is extremely far-fetched and unfortunate.”
Also, the school denied meting out any corporal punishment because this is clearly stated out in the teachers’ terms and conditions of employment.
“All children are equal and are treated the same regardless of their background,” the statement reads
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