Summary:
- “Despite raising concerns and fighting against these disparities, the government has failed to address them,” Tumuhimbise said. “This has led to significant demotivation among teachers who were excluded from the increments, resulting in many opting to leave the profession.”
KABALE: The Chairperson of the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU), Zadock Tumuhimbise, has warned that the government’s decision to prioritize salary increases for science teachers leaving their counterparts demotivated and disadvantaged will have far-reaching consequences.
Speaking during the 19th Annual Delegates’ Conference for teachers held at Agaba Center in Kabale Municipality on Tuesday, Tumuhimbise criticized the discriminatory salary enhancements, which he said have negatively impacted teacher morale, effectiveness, and education policy. The conference was held under the theme: “Valuing Teachers’ Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education.”
“Despite raising concerns and fighting against these disparities, the government has failed to address them,” Tumuhimbise said. “This has led to significant demotivation among teachers who were excluded from the increments, resulting in many opting to leave the profession.”
He noted that some teachers have abandoned the profession for more lucrative ventures such as boda-boda riding, farming, mobile money services, or domestic work abroad. Tragically, he added, others have succumbed to stress and financial difficulties, leading to cases of suicide.
“As a country already struggling with teacher shortages and high mortality rates among educators, we cannot afford to lose more teachers,” Tumuhimbise emphasized. He urged the government to urgently address the disparities and improve teachers’ working and living conditions to prevent further attrition.
The Union, he revealed, has formally written to the Head of Public Service, highlighting the mounting anxiety among teachers and demanding immediate action.
“If the government is truly committed to promoting quality education and values the contributions of all teachers, it must urgently enhance salaries for primary school teachers and those teaching arts and humanities in post-primary institutions. This adjustment should be reflected in the FY 2025/2026 budget,” Tumuhimbise stated.
CUE IN TUMUHIMBISE……ON THE ISSUE……..ENG//
Guest of honor, Workers’ MP Arinaitwe Rwakajara, echoed Tumuhimbise’s concerns, calling the government’s selective pay increases unfair. He urged immediate measures to end disparities within the education sector.
CUE IN MP RWAKAJARA……ON THE MATTER……RR/ENG//
