A major disciplinary action in Rwanda’s education sector has drawn public attention after a primary school head teacher in Nyamasheke District was dismissed over allegations that pupils went without meals during a critical examination period despite food being available at the school.
Harerimana Marc, who had been serving as the head teacher of Gashirabwoba Primary School in Bushenge Sector, officially lost his position following a decision taken by the Executive Committee of Nyamasheke District.
The dismissal was communicated through an official letter signed by Nyamasheke District Mayor Murenzi Narcisse on June 15, 2026. According to the document, the decision took effect on June 16, 2026.
District authorities cited provisions contained in the Prime Minister’s Order No. 033/03 of November 12, 2024, which establishes the special statute governing employees in basic education institutions. The regulation provides for dismissal in cases where an employee causes pupils to go hungry or fails to implement directives issued by the Ministry of Education.
Records indicate that Harerimana had previously been asked to provide explanations regarding the allegations. An official request for clarification was sent to him on April 14, 2026, after concerns emerged about the management of school feeding activities and compliance with education directives.
The matter was later reviewed by the district committee responsible for handling professional misconduct cases before being forwarded to the district’s Executive Committee. On June 10, 2026, the committee reached a final decision to terminate his employment.
The dismissal letter stated that the misconduct had negatively affected learners and their academic environment. Authorities specifically concluded that pupils were left without meals even though food stocks were available and sufficient for the entire examination period.
The case has sparked widespread discussion because it touches on Rwanda’s school feeding program, a policy widely regarded as essential for improving attendance, concentration, academic performance, and student welfare. Education stakeholders frequently emphasize that access to meals is particularly important during examinations when learners require adequate nutrition to perform at their best.
Observers say the disciplinary measure sends a strong signal to school administrators across the country about the importance of safeguarding student welfare and ensuring that government education programs are implemented as intended.
The official communication also instructed Harerimana to hand over his responsibilities to Nzabonimana Fidele. Several national and regional institutions, including the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Public Service and Labour, the Public Service Commission, and the Office of the Governor of Western Province, were notified of the decision.
Beyond the dismissal itself, the incident has renewed debate about accountability in school management and the need for close monitoring of feeding programs designed to support learners. Many parents and education advocates argue that access to school meals is not merely an administrative matter but a fundamental component of a child’s learning environment.
While the district’s decision has already taken effect, attention now turns to whether further explanations, appeals, or additional administrative measures may emerge from a case that has become one of the most discussed education stories in Nyamasheke District this year.
