Key information to be aware of:
- Instructors claim that inadequate compensation remains a source of irritation, prompting some to leave their positions—something they argue negatively impacts unsuspecting students.
As Uganda joined the global community in observing this year’s World Teachers’ Day, various teacher unions took the opportunity to call on the government to focus on enhancing educators’ well-being and overhauling the nation’s education system.
Mr. Jackson Erima, the general secretary of the Uganda Liberal Teachers’ Union (ULITU), stated that inadequate salaries remain a source of frustration for educators, leading some to leave their jobs—something he claims unjustly affects unsuspecting students.
“I extend my congratulations to all educators on this special day. Our most significant challenge is the compensation of our teachers, which is particularly severe for those in primary schools. A primary school teacher receives only Shs450,000 per month, despite the demanding nature of the job. This amount should be raised to at least Shs1 million. We are urging the government to address their well-being to promote efficient teaching and learning,” Mr. Erima stated.
He pointed out that the current teachers’ strike, organized by the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (Unatu) concerning salary increases, has disrupted education and learning in many schools outside the capital since the beginning of the third term—just as students are getting ready for national and transition exams.
“It has been more than 20 days since the strike began on October 15, when students returned for the third term. We are hearing reports that schools outside the city, particularly primary schools—99 percent of them—are not conducting classes. Students are not receiving education, but they will still have to take their final exams. This is very disappointing,” he stated.
He stated, “I do agree with them that the pay is poor. However, the timing of the strike was unfortunate. These students are not receiving education, and some will be taking their final exams.”
As per the Uganda National Examinations Board (Uneb), the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams are set to commence this week, following an orientation on October 10.
Mr. Aron Mugaiga, the secretary general of the Uganda Professional Science Teachers’ Union (UPSTU), shared Mr. Erima’s worries, highlighting that the government needs to pledge ongoing efforts to enhance the well-being of every teacher.
“On this occasion of Teachers’ Day, we urge the government to maintain its dedication by improving educators’ working environments, including increasing the salaries of teachers who have not yet received raises and constructing housing for teachers close to schools,” said Mr. Mugaiga.
He also advocated for compensation for teachers and lab assistants who experience laboratory accidents, and recommended hiring additional teachers to ease workloads—steps he claimed would greatly enhance working conditions.
Mr. Filbert Baguma, the head of Unatu, stated that the strike continues and that no level of pressure will stop their movement unless the government meets their request to raise arts teachers’ pay by 300 percent, matching what science teachers receive.
Last week, Minister of Public Service, Mr Wilson Muruli Mukasa, gave striking teachers a seven-day deadline to return to work, noting that the government has decided to raise their salaries by 25 percent in the upcoming fiscal year—a plan that art teachers still refuse.
“Of course, our teachers are at home, and while being at home, they are essentially informing governments and other interested parties about their dissatisfaction with how they have been treated,” Mr. Baguma stated.
At present, an arts teacher holding a degree receives a gross monthly salary of Shs1,078,162 and takes home Shs841,931, whereas their science colleague earns Shs4 million in total and takes home Shs2,858,000.
An art teacher holding a diploma qualification receives a gross salary of Shs784,214 and net pay of Shs639,108, whereas a science teacher earns Shs2.2 million before deductions and takes home Shs1,616,000.
About World Teachers’ Day
Every year on October 5, World Teachers’ Day is observed to recognize the impact of educators. The focus for this year’s celebration is: Reimagining teaching as a team-based endeavor.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
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