SIMPSON M
Rukungiri joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Teachers’ Day, with a call to appreciate the invaluable contributions of teachers in the country. During the celebrations, several demands were presented to the government, including addressing salary disparities in the public service sector.
The event, held yesterday at Rukungiri Inn under the theme “Valuing Teacher Voices Towards a New Social Contract for Education”, emphasized the need for the government to listen to teachers’ concerns and work towards resolving their challenges to ensure their well-being and improve academic performance among students.
Speaking on behalf of the teachers, the Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) chairperson, Madam Biriho Lovence, outlined several challenges that teachers face, which they hope the government will address. Among these is the lack of staff quarters in some schools, while in others, existing staff accommodations are in poor condition. She highlighted the dilapidated state of school infrastructure, citing Kirama Primary School in Bwambara subcounty as an example of how inadequate facilities hinder effective teaching and learning.
Madam Lovence also addressed the significant pay disparities among teachers, pointing out that while some earn high salaries, others are paid very little despite all of them performing the same teaching duties. This, she said, is causing division among teachers. She further expressed disappointment that primary school teachers have not received a salary increase in the past three years, leading to demotivation and frustration. As a result, many teachers are seeking early retirement, which could result in a future shortage of teachers in schools.
Kyomukama Geoffrey, the Rukungiri District Chairperson (LC5), who represented the Minister for Security, Gen. Jim Muhwezi, as the guest of honor, praised the organizers of the event and commended the teachers for their dedication to achieving good performance in their respective schools. He assured the gathering that Hon. Jim Muhwezi is committed to supporting teachers wherever possible and will bring their concerns to the government and relevant ministries for resolution.
Kyomukama urged teachers to stay united and continue working together to advance their profession. On the matter of salary increments, he acknowledged that it is a nationwide challenge but noted that the issue is under discussion at the cabinet level, where they are exploring ways to reform the system. He reassured non-science teachers that their salaries would also be increased, though the process is still under review.
The Secretary for Education and Social Services, Madam Keledonia Bakironda, congratulated the teachers on their day and praised them for their dedication and professionalism in carrying out their duties. She added that efforts are underway to address some of the challenges facing teachers.
Rwabatontore Rwishe expressed dissatisfaction with the low pay teachers receive, pointing out that it is the responsibility of parliament, through the Salary and Wages Commission, to determine teachers’ pay. He emphasized that teachers should receive special consideration, particularly during periods of inflation.
He lamented that during times of inflation, while the cost of goods and services rises, teachers’ salaries remain stagnant, making it difficult for them to make ends meet. Rwabatontore called on the government to review teachers’ salaries and the national curriculum to ensure that Uganda provides an education system of true value.
