Teacher Arrested, Remanded for Posing as Education Official to Sell School Slots

A 48-year-old teacher, Duncan Keith Ayebare, is facing serious charges after allegedly masquerading as a senior official from the Ministry of Education and Sports. Ayebare is accused of defrauding parents by promising to secure school vacancies for their children in prominent institutions.

Appearing before Grade One Magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatiiko, Ayebare faced charges of obtaining money by false pretences and personation. While he admitted to receiving money from parents for school placements, the magistrate entered a plea of not guilty. He has been remanded in custody until June 24, pending further proceedings.

The prosecution detailed how Ayebare allegedly obtained Shs1.4 million from one parent for a vacancy at Ntare School and another Shs1.2 million from a different parent for admission to the same school. These promises are said to have been made with fraudulent intent.

Furthermore, Ayebare is accused of impersonating a commissioner from the Ministry of Education and Sports between 2023 and 2026. Court records indicate he used an association with an assistant commissioner to falsely present himself as a ministry official, and at times, as an employee of State House or linked to the Office of the First Lady.

Leveraging this alleged false identity, Ayebare reportedly officiated at several school functions, including events at Lubiri Secondary School and Mbarara Junior School. During these appearances, he is said to have solicited funds from parents of Primary Seven graduates, promising them places in high-demand government schools. Intelligence reports later identified him as an impostor.

During interrogation, Ayebare reportedly confessed to presiding over school events and accepting money from parents under the guise of his fabricated official capacity. There are also allegations that he used a ministry vehicle and a driver assigned to an actual assistant commissioner to further his deception.