Arts teachers in Kabale District on Thursday decided not to participate in the National Teachers’ Day celebrations due to a significant salary disparity.
While science teachers have received a 300 percent salary increase, arts teachers continue to receive their usual salaries, which have negatively affected their performance. The Teachers’ Day event for Kabale was hosted at Kirigime guest house in the southern division of Kabale Municipality.
Amos Musiimenta, the Chairman of the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) in Kabale District, expressed disappointment at the low turnout for the event. They had expected 1041 teachers, but only 565 attended. Musiimenta encouraged arts teachers to be patient and wait for President Museveni’s response to their salary concerns.
The UNATU Chairperson for Kabale Municipality, Godfrey Bainomugisha, stressed the importance of unity among all teachers in embracing their profession. He also called on the government to provide housing for teachers on school premises and to increase capitation grants promptly to ensure that school activities run smoothly.
On a national scale, the World Teachers’ Day commemorative event took place at Kololo Independence Grounds, with President Museveni as the guest of honor, accompanied by the Minister of Education, Janet Museveni.
