MUGABE R
Parents in Nyabiteete Parish, Buyanja Sub County, Rukungiri District, have been urged to forgive teachers following the recent strike that disrupted learning in many government schools.
The appeal was made today, 5th December 2025, by Henry Abasa, a professional teacher, while officiating at the graduation ceremony of Top Class pupils at Kanombe Primary School. Abasa called on parents to embrace reconciliation and cooperation, noting that the teachers’ strike, which ran from 15th September to 16th October 2025, was aimed at seeking justice for their rights and better working conditions.
He acknowledged that the month-long absence of teachers placed many schools in a difficult situation, with learner absenteeism and growing tension between parents and teachers. However, he emphasized that forgiveness and unity were necessary for the education sector to recover and progress.
The Head Teacher of Kanombe Primary School, Vincent Murekyezi, appreciated the commitment of teachers who returned to duty after the strike. He also expressed concern over the learners who transferred to other schools during the industrial action, saying the school regretted losing them and remained open to receiving them back so they could continue to benefit from quality education.
The Chairperson of the School Management Committee, Exavier Bakesigaki, criticized some parents for neglecting their role in supporting the sustainability of public schools. He reminded parents that such schools were originally built and maintained through community effort and pledged that the school management had developed a three-year work plan aimed at restoring the institution’s former glory.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), Fabiano Mugisha, commended the strong cooperation between school administrators, teachers, and governing committees, which he said has already contributed to the school’s improvement. He also acknowledged the support from well-wishers including Denis Kifaku and the late Bakaine family, and appealed to parents to honor their school obligations.
Area Councillor Charles Karahukayo advised parents to prioritize the safety of their children during the long holiday, warning against the risks of defilement, witchcraft, and other forms of abuse. He also assured parents that the poor state of the school access road, recently opened by the sub-county from the main road, would be addressed and completed soon.
One of the parents, Mary Joan Akankwatsa, said she was inspired by the graduation ceremony and the messages delivered by the speakers, and pledged continued support for school activities to ensure the learners succeed.
The ceremony brought together parents, teachers, local leaders, and pupils in a show of unity as the school looks forward to rebuilding stronger partnerships after the challenges caused by the strike.
