MPs order release of all withheld school certificates

Melly said the government pays for examination fees and that no student should be punished by school heads over fee arrears or any other claims.

The committee also took issue with the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Julius Bitok, for skipping the session.

“All those certificates be released out of school custody,” Melly said. 

Lwanda MP Dick Maungu criticised the Basic Education Principal Secretary for failing to appear before the committee.

“I want to take it out that the PS has a very low opinion on the matters of the House and this committee should actually sanction him and impose the highest penalty possible,” he said.

Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Obara also called for action against the PS.

“The PS must be called out. We cannot allow this to continue, particularly in the department of education that is critical for the future of this country,” she said.

The committee has now directed the TSC to ensure all affected students receive their certificates within the stipulated 20 days.