Transfers of College Staff - Go or Quit your Job!

The title of the head of a teaching college is principal. He (they are all men) has two deputy principals.

Every six years many of the principals and deputy principals of the teaching colleges may be transferred to another college, whether they like it or not. If there are vacancies to fill at other times they can be transferred then as well. All deputy principals and acting principals are called in to be interviewed in Kampala at the Ministry of Education for positions of principal. Some deputy principals are women and they go through the process as well even though they won't get the job. Hmmm....

Anyone who has reached these positions and salaries usually owns quite a large farm. The spouse normally lives on the farm with the family and may also have a local job. Children are usually in boarding schools. Most principals and deputy principals live in staff housing on a campus, unless they are lucky enough to be working near their home. Buying another house when one is transferred is not an option.

The problem with this? The family often lives hours away and the principal or deputy principal does not see their spouse and family often - once a month or more. If the husband and wife are both principal/deputy principal they will work at different colleges thus sometimes leaving the farm with no one there except field workers and a housegirl/boy.

The above is the same for tutors (lecturers) at the colleges. They make much less money though which means they can't travel to see their families as often.

Over the last couple of months this process has been taking place. Our principal and one of our deputy principals are being transferred. We are going to miss both of them very much but are happy that our next door neighbour, the other deputy principal, won't be leaving us.

This process for tutors will take place in a year.

Does the Ministry of Education not see that this process is bad for families???