NICHOLAS A
A section of parents in Rukungiri district has expressed concern over government’s delay in resolving the ongoing industrial action by teachers under the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU).
The parents say the strike is lowering education standards in the country, as many young Ugandans are currently missing out on learning.
Kihembo Peace, a resident of Rwakabengo Ward in Rukungiri Municipality, said their children are not receiving education, something she described as very dangerous for their future. She urged government to engage teachers and ensure the matter is resolved.
Charles Bakwate, a parent from Ruhinda Subcounty in Rukungiri district, told our reporter that the ongoing teachers’ strike is not only crippling education standards, but also spoiling children’s behavior, since many of them have resorted to roaming around villages idly. He appealed to government to urgently solve the problem.
Turwoomwe Denis, the UNATU regional chairperson for Southwestern Uganda, said that in 2022 teachers under the union met the President at Kololo, who asked them to give him time to consider their demands, but since then, no feedback has been received.
He explained that currently, primary school teachers earn about 480,000 shillings before tax deductions, while secondary school teachers under UNATU earn as low as 800,000 shillings. He added that in 2018, they signed a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with government that would see primary school teachers earn 1.5 million shillings within five years, but this has never been honored.
Turwoomwe also expressed concern over salary disparities among different teachers’ unions but urged all teachers, regardless of union, to unite and demand government’s positive response to UNATU’s grievances.
Biriho Lovence, the UNATU chairperson for Rukungiri branch, told our reporter that government should enhance teachers’ salaries, noting that many of them are struggling with loans from financial institutions and moneylenders just to survive.
She said teachers find it difficult to educate their own children, make investments, or access quality health services due to low pay. She emphasized that government should heed their call, since teachers’ services are vital for the progress of the country.
