Staff Reporter
Teachers in Kisoro District have threatened to go on strike at the start of the new academic year if delayed salaries are not resolved.
This concern was the focus of discussions during a gathering of educators at Mubano Hotel in Kisoro Municipality to celebrate National Teachers’ Day. The event under the theme “Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education” emphasized the need to listen to teachers and involve them in shaping educational policies and practices.
Alex Matata, the Kisoro District Chairperson for the Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU), attributed the salary delays to frequent changes in the District Custodian Office. He warned that teachers across the district would strike in early January if the issue persists. Despite the hardships caused by the delayed payments, Matata urged teachers to remain patient and acknowledge their challenges. He also expressed concern about the shortage of female teachers in the district, pointing out that male teachers have had to take on roles typically handled by female teachers. He called on authorities to address this imbalance.
Kisoro Municipality Town Clerk, Alkwani Ayubu, commended teachers for their role in shaping the nation and promised to work with fellow CAOs to resolve the issue. He encouraged teachers to report their concerns promptly so that solutions can be found promptly.
Kisoro District OC Traffic, Kushaba Michael, urged teachers to focus on improving student discipline, stressing the crucial role they play in shaping children. He also called on the public to contribute to raising well-disciplined children to ensure a peaceful society.
At the same event, Bukimbiri County Member of Parliament, Hon. Eddie Kwizera, reminded the audience that Teachers’ Day is not just for celebration, but also a time to present resolutions to MPs, who can then raise these issues in parliament. Kwizera also criticized the government for salary discrepancies based on subject specialization.
Meanwhile, the guest of honor, Kamara John Nizeyimana, urged the District Education Officer (DEO) to refrain from using teacher transfers as a form of punishment, noting that such practices do not yield positive results.
