Government-aided secondary schools in Kisoro District have resorted to using part-time teachers and student teachers on school practice to teach humanities subjects, following a strike by arts teachers protesting salary disparities.
Earlier this week, humanities teachers marched to the Kisoro District headquarters to protest what they described as unfair salary discrimination. They expressed frustration over the widening pay gap between them and science teachers, whose salaries were significantly increased in the 2022/2023 financial year.
Before the enhancement, graduate science teachers earned Shs 1.1 Million while Grade V diploma holders earned Shs 796,000. With the government intervention, these figures were raised to Shs 4 million and Shs 3 million respectively. Meanwhile, arts teachers continue to earn between Shs 700,000 and Shs 1 million.
The strike has disrupted arts lessons in several schools, prompting head teachers to seek alternative arrangements to prevent learning gaps. Some schools have hired private tutors, while others are engaging student teachers currently on teaching practice.
Peace Ruzaza, the head teacher of Seseme Girls’ Secondary School in Kisoro Municipality, expressed disappointment over the government’s continued neglect of arts teachers. She said the school has resorted to hiring private tutors due to the shortage of government-provided staff.
“We are relying on part-time teachers because the government has not deployed enough staff. We’ve provided them with teaching primers to continue covering the syllabus as we wait for the government’s response,” Ruzaza stated.
CUE IN RUZAZA…..ON PERTIMERS…….RR//
Similarly, Mbonyeryombi Charles, the headteacher of Mutolere Secondary School, confirmed that student teachers on practice have been deployed to manage humanities subjects during the strike.
“We have assigned student teachers to step in as we await the return of our regular teaching staff,” Charles said.
CUE IN CHARLES…..ON THE MATTER……RR//
Kisoro Deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC) Tukamuhebwa Robert acknowledged the legitimacy of the teachers’ grievances and urged them to remain calm.
“The government is aware of the salary disparities and is actively engaging the Ministry of Public Service and the Ministry of Education. A formal response is expected within the next two weeks,” said Tukamuhebwa.
CUE IN TUKAMUHEBWA…….ON THE MATTER…..RR//
