Summary:
- Joseph Okiror, the Head Teacher of Usuk Secondary School, which hosted the event, noted that most secondary teachers did not participate for reasons that were unclear.
KATAKWI: As the rest of the world celebrated World Teachers’ Day, the teachers in Katakwi District largely abandoned the local celebrations held on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
The Katakwi District Education Officer, Angela Atim, expressed outrage and issued a stern warning to secondary and tertiary teachers for boycotting the event. Atim stated that a significant number of these teachers failed to attend the celebrations, which were held at Usuk Secondary School in Usuk Town Council, Katakwi District, under the theme “Valuing Teachers’ Voices: A New Social Contract for Education.”
According to Atim, many secondary and tertiary teachers feel above such celebrations, mistakenly believing they are only meant for primary school teachers. This sentiment, she said, was disrespectful to the spirit of the day.
Joseph Okiror, the Head Teacher of Usuk Secondary School, which hosted the event, noted that most secondary teachers did not participate for reasons that were unclear.
Okiror apologized on behalf of the secondary school teachers and urged them to abandon this pattern of disengagement, emphasizing that all teachers, regardless of their level, are equally important.
In her remarks, Cecilia Anyakoit, a Woman MP aspirant for Katakwi District, thanked teachers for their resilience and dedication, despite the challenges of low pay.
Katakwi District LC5 Chairperson Geoffrey Omolo also commended Daniel Mulalu and the Vice President for their contributions to education in the community, stating that these efforts would help improve education standards in the district.
“We are ready to collaborate with anyone working towards the development of the district, particularly in key sectors like education,” Omolo added.
Daniel Mulalu, the Private Secretary to the President in charge of political mobilization, thanked the teachers and pledged to install solar panels in all primary schools across Usuk County, including Usuk Secondary School.
He further pledged 10 million shillings to the UNTU SACCO in Katakwi to support its growth.
“I am committed to working with the teachers and the education department to ensure that all schools in Katakwi District perform better,” Mulalu said.
Meanwhile, Rt. Maj. Godfrey Katamba, the Resident District Commissioner of Katakwi, representing Vice President Rt. Maj. Jesica Rose Alupo Epel, praised the teachers for their role as champions and custodians of education in Uganda.
