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By Amule Daniel Arua City The Teachers Effectiveness and Learner Achievement (TELA) machine is reducing teacher absenteeism in Arua City. Education officials praise its impact on commitment and accountability in schools. TELA recorded 100% teacher attendance i
By Amule Daniel
Arua City
The Teachers Effectiveness and Learner Achievement (TELA) machine is reducing teacher absenteeism in Arua City. Education officials praise its impact on commitment and accountability in schools.
TELA recorded 100% teacher attendance in Arua City in 2024. However, in the first term of 2025, attendance dropped to 75%, prompting headteachers to explain the 25% shortfall.
Drani Roy Natali of Ociba Primary School hopes better teacher attendance will boost learner achievement, “though we are few at Ociba Primary School, there are no cases of absenteeism. We are committed. No teacher wants to be absent because it affects syllabus coverage and performance.”
Drani attributes Ociba’s consistent Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) success to teacher’s presence, “This is why we never miss getting first grade in PLE,” he added.
Head teacher Ociba Primary School Orionzi Charles Lwanga confirms that teachers report early, “At Ociba, teachers are at school by 7:00 a.m., ready for lessons at 7:30 a.m.,” he said.
With 23 teachers, Ociba reports minimal absenteeism. Teachers notify the head teacher in advance if absent.
At Niva Primary School, all teachers reported on the first day of the second term, according to Head Teacher Adania Sally, “We had 100% teacher attendance and 38% learner turnout in the first week. We planned a week earlier—lesson plans were ready and signed. Support staff cleaned the school, so learners could begin lessons immediately.”
The 2019 National Teacher Policy aims to professionalize teaching and improve accountability.
Arua City Education Officer Obiayi Raymond Ombere highlights biometric attendance and digital monitoring, “About 34 schools haven’t. I’ll check the system, identify the schools, call them, and send a letter to show cause. This process has improved compliance.”
Now in its second year, TELA also ties salary payments to attendance. Teachers with consistent absenteeism may face payment suspension.
Before TELA, a 2023 Ministry of Education report noted a 23% absentee rate in Term One’s first week, compared to 7% at mid-term.
Common reasons included, returning from studies, lack of staff housing, poor school culture, logistical delays, and weak enforcement by head teachers among others.