Stakeholders in Kabale District have expressed growing concern that the ongoing industrial action by teachers could negatively affect learners, particularly Primary Seven pupils preparing for the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE).
Speaking at a fundraising ceremony for Rwancere Mixed and Primary School held at Rwancere Church of Uganda in Butanda Sub-county on Sunday, Venerable Fred Barigye Mitanga, the Archdeacon of Kizinga Archdeaconry, condemned the strike action, especially in Church of Uganda-founded schools. He emphasized that he would not tolerate teachers who abandon their duties, leaving learners in a vulnerable position.
Venerable Barigye revealed that he faced backlash from some teachers within the Kizinga Archdeaconry after questioning their absence from classrooms. He said he had already briefed the Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi, Rt Rev Gaddie Akanjuna, about the matter and reiterated that the church would not support striking teachers in its schools.
He also announced plans to convene a meeting with parents, especially those with children in Primary Seven, to discuss strategies to safeguard the learners’ academic future ahead of the national examinations.
CUE IN VEN. BARIGYE… ON THE TEACHERS… RR//
Meanwhile, Rukiga County NRM flag bearer, Counsel Patrick Kiconco Katabaazi, and Kabale District Woman MP aspirant, Grace Ankunda Bekunda Bwesigye, urged the government to swiftly address the teachers’ grievances. They stressed the importance of restoring normalcy in schools to ensure learners continue receiving quality education.
Speaking as chief guest at separate fundraising ceremonies at Assumption Vocational and Secondary School at Rwanyena Catholic Parish and Rwancere Church of Uganda, Rt Hon Daudi Kabanda, Secretary General of the Patriotic League of Uganda, acknowledged the legitimacy of teachers’ concerns but shifted focus to denounce the rise of sectarian politics in Kabale District.
He urged Christians and residents to reject sectarianism and instead support results-oriented leaders. Kabanda also encouraged communities to actively participate in poverty eradication efforts by embracing government initiatives like the Parish Development Model.
CUE IN KABANDA… ON RELIGIOUS POLITICS… RR/ENG//
Meanwhile, Ndorwa West County NRM flag bearer, Counsel Eliab Naturinda Mporera, called for a project-led campaign approach in the upcoming general elections, focusing on development rather than rhetoric.
