Alcoholism among Teachers on the Rise in Kabale

By Obed Kankiriho October 6, 2023 396 Views

KABALE – A section of Head teachers and committees of schools in Kabale Municipality have expressed their growing concern over the rising number of teachers reporting to work while under the influence of alcohol.

This concern was raised yesterday during the joint celebrations for Kabale district’s Main Branch and Kabale Municipality on the occasion of National Teacher’s Day, held at Kirigime Guest House in the southern division of Kabale Municipality. World Teachers Day, observed annually on October 5th, was marked this year under the theme: “The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage.”

Henry Mayanja, the head teacher of Upper Bugongi Primary School, who also serves as the Vice Chairperson of the Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) in Kabale Municipality, revealed that five of his teachers are habitual drinkers. Shockingly, one of them had recently attempted to assault him before leaving school to return to the bar. Mayanja urgently called upon the authorities to implement protective measures for educators.

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CUE IN MAYANJA….ON THE ISSUE…..ENG//

According to Geoffrey Beinomugisha, the Chairperson of UNATU in Kabale Municipality, the prevalence of alcoholism among teachers currently stands at 15 percent. Beinomugisha highlighted that, in response to this concerning trend, measures have been taken to apprehend teachers found inebriated. He disclosed that four teachers, whose identities have been withheld, are currently at risk of arrest if they persist in consuming alcohol.

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Notably, Beinomugisha pointed out that two teachers faced arrest in 2018, while three were apprehended in 2019 due to their struggles with alcoholism.

Beinomugisha attributed this alarming situation to the stress teacher’s face as a result of the challenges inherent in their profession.

CUE IN BEINOMUGISHA…..ON THE MATTER…..RR/ENG//

Addressing the issue, Amos Musiimenta, the Head Teacher of Kakomo Secondary School and also the UNATU Chairperson for Kabale Main, strongly condemned the prevalence of alcoholism among teachers. He emphasized that this habit contributes to a decline in the quality of teaching in classrooms.