At least seven primary schools were closed for three days in Magwi County of Eastern Equatoria state as teachers sought to acquire nationality identity cards.
MP Robert Aganya told the Eastern Equatoria parliament on Monday that teachers abandoned the schools to travel to Torit town for their nationality identity cards, Emmanuel Radio reported.
The lawmaker listed Lobone, Pamikong, Kichenga, Isore, Lomarati and Agata among the schools temporarily closed in Magwi County.
MPs were alarmed by the closure of schools as end of year examinations approached.
MP Nasike Allan representing Kapoeta North said forcing teachers to close schools in the middle of a term jeopardized pupils’ performance.
State Education Minister Michael Lopuke said the requirement for nationality identity cards was a must for teachers to receive their salaries.
The minister explained that teachers were given six months to process their nationality certificates but the period ended without success.
Mr Lopuke noted that the ministry lost a huge amount of money to teachers who died or left the profession but relatives received their salaries.