Nambale Member of Parliament Geoffrey Mulanya has launched a scathing critique of the Ministry of Education’s Grade 10 placement system, warning that the “experimental” formula threatens to force the closure of under-enrolled schools.

Speaking at St. Ann’s Kisoko Girls where he distributed Sh 51 million in NG-CDF bursaries, Mulanya highlighted a growing crisis where some schools are overcrowded while others have as few as five students.

“The formula used was not the best, and as Members of Parliament, we do not support it,” Mulanya stated. He advocated for a return to a system where principals have more autonomy in student selection rather than total Ministry control.

The MP also addressed internal school issues, citing unprofessional teacher conduct—specifically alcoholism—as a factor in declining parental trust and enrollment. He balanced these criticisms with a call for gender equality, urging parents to prioritize the education of the girl child to ensure they can compete for global opportunities.

Nambale Sub-county DCC Carolyne Onchoka joined the call for higher standards, warning principals against poor academic results. She further issued a stern warning against “disco matanga,” blaming the practice for rising cases of drug abuse and teenage pregnancies that disrupt national examinations.