NAKASEKE – The Uganda National Teachers Association (UNATU) has threatened to mobilize teachers in Nakaseke district for an industrial action should the district authorities insist on subjecting all Primary school teachers to Primary Leaving Examinations.
Two weeks back, the Nakaseke district Council resolved that all teachers should sit at least a past PLE paper as a way of assessing their competency to effectively teach learners in their respective schools.
However, in a letter to the Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni dated April 11, UNATU described the move as “inhuman” and that it would demoralize teachers.
“UNATU is strongly opposed to the move as it not only undermines the noble profession of teaching, but is also inhuman and meant to demoralize and embarrass teachers of Nakaseke district,” wrote Baguma Filbert Bate, the Secretary General UNATU.
Mr Baguma further wondered why the same government which recruits and confirms teachers through its institutions like District Service Commissions would question the quality of teachers it employed.
UNATU states in the letter that “the performance of the learners is not solely in the hands of the teachers” but also other factors within their homes, schools and the community”.
The teachers’ body suggested that the district embarks on mobilizing all stakeholders in the district to play the role for the academic excellence of the children.
According to Mr Lwanga Disan, one of the district councillors who passed this resolution, the decision is not political but is intended to improve the standards of education in the district which are continuing to deteriorate.
However, UNATU insists that the decision was improper and blames government for continuously neglecting and undermining of the teaching profession.
“Government has continued to disregard the need to uplift the status of the teaching profession and instead continues to act in a manner that is meant to deliberately frustrate and demotivate the teachers. The system is becoming punitive instead of supportive,” Mr Baguma further said.
Mr Baguma added that “the inhumane move by the LCV chairperson of Nakaseke is a clear example that the status and morale of teachers does not matter to the government.”
As a result, UNATU has called for the disbandment of the resolution and an apology to from the political leaders to the teachers, or else the teachers go on strike.
“UNATU demands for not only an end to the plans of subjecting Nakaseke teachers to PLE but also a public apology by the LCV chairperson for dishonouring the noble teaching profession of which he is a product. Failure to do so, UNATU plans to mobilize all teachers in Nakaseke to withdraw their labour without further notice,” Baguma added.
The decision was not only opposed by teachers but also, other leaders in the district who earlier indicated their dissatisfaction with the way it was reached.
Najjuma Sarah, who is district woman Member of Parliament in an interview with SofPower News said that the district should have embarked on sensitizing the parents on their role towards promoting their children’s education, proper supervision of teachers and also ensure a good learning environment in schools.
