An independent investigation into the absentee staff of Eastern Equatoria ministry of Education revealed that dozens of teachers abandoned their jobs to join the armed forces especially police, prisons and fire brigade.
An inspection team formed by the Education Minister Michael Lopuke Lotyam discovered over 40 ghost teachers in Kapoeta South County.He added that out of 74 teachers only 32 were working.
Some of the teachers told Emmanuel Radio that they left the job due to lack of proper accommodation, delayed salaries and inadequate remuneration.
Many teachers joined the armed forces last year during the food crisis that hit the state while teachers from the neighbouring countries returned home due to high taxation.
Foreign employees and traders operating in the state are required to pay the equivalent of 50 US Dollars every month to stay in the region. The fee represents almost three quarters of a teacher’s salary.