Government-aided primary and secondary schools in Kisoro District remain largely paralyzed due to a nationwide strike by arts teachers, with many institutions reporting minimal or no activity for third term.
At Seseme Primary School, only five teachers were present, while a handful of Primary Seven candidates attempted to teach themselves through discussions. The rest of the classrooms remained closed. According to Deputy Head Teacher Ntakirutimana Irene, no pupils had reported to school, and many teachers were absent.
At Kisoro Hill Primary School, both gates and offices were locked. At Kisoro DEMO Primary School, only the school secretary was on site. Fewer than 80 learners, mostly special needs pupils, reported, but no teachers conducted lessons. Those who arrived in the morning left by lunchtime due to idleness.
Mwumba Seed Secondary School also recorded zero attendance among both teachers and students. At Seseme Girls Secondary School, Head Teacher Peace Ruzaza expressed deep concern about the strike’s effect on learners’ performance and called on the government to urgently address salary disparities.
Meanwhile, Ingabire Dianah of Bright Valley Primary School urged parents to ensure that their children return to school promptly, emphasizing that the term demands maximum seriousness and commitment from both parents and learners.
Karasira James, Director of Real Quality Primary School, reminded parents that education is the greatest gift they can provide their children and called for early reporting, particularly for candidate classes during this crucial term.
CUE IN INGABIRE & KARASIRA….ON THE MATTER…..RR//
Head Teachers Hakizumwami Bucker of Kisoro Vision Secondary School and Nabasa Martin of Muhabura Shine Secondary School also stressed the importance of timely reporting to prepare students, especially candidates, for their final exams.
CUE IN HEAD TEACHERS…..ON THE ISSUE…..RR//
On the union side, Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) National Chairperson Zadock Tumuhimbise warned that the ongoing teachers’ strike will continue until the government responds positively.
He cautioned that the industrial action could escalate if authorities remain unresponsive. Tumuhimbise emphasized that the strike is not only about teachers’ welfare but also about safeguarding the future of Uganda’s learners, accusing the government of repeatedly failing to honor promises on salary enhancements.
