Senior Reporter
Teachers in Ntungamo district have been urged to think outside the box and explore new avenues for increasing their income, even if it means getting involved in unconventional or physically demanding work.
The call was made during the celebration of Teacher’s Day in Ntungamo, with the Ntungamo Resident District Commissioner, Geoffrey Mucunguzi, emphasizing the need for teachers to supplement their earnings.
Mucunguzi highlighted that many teachers, despite their respectable reputation, are struggling with loans and heavy school fees bills. He pointed out that being solely reliant on the teaching profession throughout the year may not be sufficient to escape financial challenges. He encouraged teachers to be innovative and consider starting additional businesses, such as agriculture, bricklaying, or other income-generating activities.
Gideons Kabangizi, the UNSTU national delegate, expressed concerns about the government’s categorization of teachers into science and arts, warning that this division could negatively impact the education system’s stability.
Grace Turyomunsi, the district UNATU chairperson, called upon leaders to support teachers facing issues with money lending organizations that excessively deduct from their accounts. She highlighted that many teachers have become victims of such institutions, which often demand academic documents and ATM cards as collateral.
