Dokolo Headteachers Decry Failure of IT Monitoring Device

By Emmanuel Opeto 

Dokolo, Uganda: The Luo Native | Head teachers in Dokolo District expressed their concern over the failure of TELA system, a tool introduced by the Ministry of Education and Sports to track teacher effectiveness and learners' achievements.

The TELA system is a smartphone-based application designed to monitor classroom activities and reduce absenteeism while enhancing teacher performance.

During a radio talk show program with Dokolo FM on Wednesday, several head teachers from government primary schools voiced their concerns, stating that the TELA smartphone has become a widespread issue due to its operational failures.

Isaac Okoth from Awialem Primary School, John Bosco Okullu from Ilong Primary School in Kangai Town Council, Richard Ogwal from Kachung Primary School in Agwata Town Council, Boniface Opio from Hassa Memorial Primary School in Adok Sub-County, and Catherine Ayuru from Angwecibangi Primary School all lamented the system's shortcomings.

They noted that in 2023, the Education Department of Dokolo provided them with TELA smartphones to help register teachers' facial features and fingerprints, as well as to upload school schedules for monitoring purposes. However, the devices have not been functioning properly.

Additionally, they mentioned that the system failed to register some teachers, prompting them to request further training for head teachers on how to effectively use the TELA smartphones. Many have reverted to traditional sign-in methods due to the smartphone's unreliability.

In Anwongi Primary School, located in Kwera Sub-County, a report revealed that a teacher from Omoro allegedly stole a TELA smartphone and later sold it in Oyam.

The stolen smartphone was tracked down, and the suspected teacher was turned over to the Dokolo Central Police Station.

David Livingston Okello, the District Inspector of Schools in Dokolo, confirmed that a staff member from Anwongi Primary School, identified as Ogali, is currently in police custody for the alleged theft of the TELA smartphone and the school's arrival book.

He said their department will address the issue raised by the educators.

Currently, Dokolo District is among the district who are poorly performing in PLE exams amidst struggle by different stake holders.