President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has fulfilled his pledge of Shs20 billion to support the three National Teachers Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs).
This follows a pledge he made during last year’s World Teachers’ Day celebrations on October 5, 2023.
The funds, directed to the SACCOs, are expected to provide much-needed financial support to teachers, particularly in rural areas, where access to affordable credit has been limited.
President Museveni made this revelation while officiating the belated World Teachers Day celebrations held at Lugogo Cricket Oval, Kampala. The celebrations ran under the theme: “Valuing Teachers’ Voices Towards a New Social Contract for Education”.
The Minister of State for Primary Education, Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu underscored the importance of teachers in guiding, inspiring, and mentoring the people of Uganda.
“They have helped us to become better citizens of this country,” the Minister said.
“Your Excellency, I want to thank you publicly for the big heart, the passion, and the investment you have put in the education sector.”
The Permanent Secretary-Ministry of Education and Sports, Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda thanked the teachers for their dedication to serving Uganda.
“Your Excellency, our role as teachers is invaluable because we are an inner profession that is normally aligned with our Lord Jesus Christ. We together with parents are the only category in society that God entrusts with every child that is born so that we develop them in mind, body, soul, personality, character, and values,” she said.
“As we serve as teachers, let us always remember that we have a God-given assignment to ensure that every child that comes to our schools receives a holistic and quality education and becomes a useful adult.”
Dr. Turyagyenda also stressed the importance of teachers in fulfilling Uganda’s Vision 2040, the national framework for the country’s socio-economic transformation.
“The role of education is the cornerstone of the government’s policy and is essential for the country’s development as highlighted in the pillars of Vision 2040, every child matters, and every child’s achievement depends on accessing the right education,” she noted.
The Permanent Secretary also touched on the ongoing education reforms, particularly the new lower secondary curriculum, which has been a subject of significant discussion among educators.
“I am glad to hear that teachers’ representatives acknowledge that the new curriculum is what we needed,” she said, underscoring the importance of teacher support for the success of these reforms.
On the other hand, Mr. Sow Mamadou Lamine, Chief of Education and Senior Programme Specialist at UNESCO’s Multisectoral Regional Office for Eastern Africa while representing development partners, addressed the growing challenges faced by the teaching profession, emphasizing the need for global cooperation to resolve the crisis.
“Education systems are at a crossroads, facing unprecedented challenges that jeopardize the future of learning and teaching across the world,” Mr. Lamine said.
He went ahead to highlight the findings from the first ever UNESCO and Teacher Task Force Global Report on Teachers, which paints a bleak picture of the state of the teaching profession.
“The teaching profession is in crisis, with declining social recognition, which exacerbates teacher shortages and makes the profession less appealing,” he said.
He also outlined a series of critical issues contributing to this crisis.
“Low pay, excessive workloads, reduced autonomy, and inadequate resources are pushing talented individuals out of the teaching profession, putting millions of students at risk,” Mr. Lamine noted.
He emphasized the importance of restoring trust in the teaching profession by empowering educators to take an active role in decision-making.
Mr. Evans Mutesasira who spoke on behalf of the seven teachers Unions in the country, appreciated President Museveni for his unwavering support and advocacy towards teachers in Uganda.
He also thanked the President for taking a positive step in enhancing the salaries of science teachers.
“This significant decision has had a profound impact on science teachers nationwide, serving as evidence of the government’s commitment to invest in quality education. We commend Your Excellency for this progressive action,” he said.
“Additionally, I would like to express our deep gratitude to you, Your Excellency, for fulfilling your pledge of Shs 20 billion towards the National Teachers SACCOs that you pledged during the last Teachers Day on the 5th of October, 2023.”
Meanwhile, in a bid to celebrate the remarkable contributions of Uganda’s educators, Vision Group, led by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Don Wanyama, presented awards to 12 exceptional teachers as part of the “Teachers Making a Difference” competition.
The initiative launched by Vision Group, which seeks to recognize the tireless efforts of teachers in shaping Uganda’s future, received over 1,300 nominations from across the country.
After a rigorous selection process, 12 outstanding teachers emerged as winners. Each was awarded a cash prize of Shs 2 million and additional support in kind worth Shs 2.5 million of their choice.
In an exciting development, Mr. Wanyama said that the top six winners will travel to Ireland for professional development courses, an opportunity aimed at enhancing their teaching skills and enriching Uganda’s education system.
Mr. Moses Echweru was named the overall winner, recognized for his extraordinary contributions to the education sector.
The other winners included Ms. Joyce Kia, St. Maxiensia Babirye, Mr. John Bosco Katende, Ms. Monica Okello, Ms. Italina Logwe, Ms. Beatrice Wochaya Katami, Mr. Baraba Aineomugisha, Ms. Ratib Abasi Atiku, Ms. Cate Nansubuga, Ms. Safia Maua, and Mr. John Wabwire.
The event was also attended by the Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, the Minister of State for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye, Hon. Hellen Asamo, the Minister of State for Disability Affairs, Heads of Diplomatic Missions, Members of Parliament, Members of the Education Service Commission, Education Development Partners, Students, among others.