Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) General Secretary, Filbert Baguma, Wednesday spoke highly about the role of teachers at the forefront of transforming Education.
This was during the belated World Teachers’ Day Celebrations at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala, under the theme: “Transformation of education begins with teachers”.
Baguma informed President Museveni that whereas he remains committed to his grand plan for scientists, this does not take away the fact that a 300% salary increment for one category of teachers versus nothing (0%) for others is unfair.
“We appreciate what was given to one category of teachers and we look forward to you keeping your promise to bring all other categories of teachers on board since the increment has left the teaching fraternity disunited and has affected the teamwork which is required for the delivery of quality education,” Baguma said.
He also presented the plight of teachers in private institutions who decried job security and salary disparities.
“These teachers request support from the Government in setting minimum pay regulations for teachers in private education institutions. Many meet challenges in trying to access bank loans and others are working for meagre pay with threats of dismissal if they complain. This can change if there is a regulation on the minimum pay for a private teacher,” he added.
He called for the operationalization of the National teachers’ policy; Fast tracking the establishment of the National Teacher Council and full operationalization of the Uganda National Institute of Teacher Education (UNITE) with an independent budget vote.
He also requested the Government to subsidize the tuition costs or even implement an education loan scheme to attract more teachers to upgrade in time and get the required minimum qualifications.
Baguma further called upon colleagues in the profession to remain proud of who they are as great contributors to grooming other professions.
“Our influence is lifelong! It does not matter whether you teach Arts/Humanities or Sciences and if you serve in the Pre-Primary, Primary or Post Primary Education sub-sector. All teachers matter. All teachers are important. No one should ever make you feel inferior. You are all valued. Always remember that your contribution can not be taken for granted,” Baguma said.
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mama Janet Museveni, congratulated teachers on this day, describing it as an opportunity to hear from each other.
“As one Runyankore proverb goes; “Ezaguruka zitaragaine ziterana amapapa” meaning that if two birds fly together without agreeing on how to go, they bump into each other’s wings. Therefore, it is wise and necessary to set some time to hear from each other, especially since both government and the teaching profession play a major role in nation-building,” the First Lady said, adding that teachers are not just supposed to teach in the classroom alone, but they are supposed to disciple nations.
“The training we give should indeed address the head, the heart and the hands and this should go beyond the classroom to the communities where we live. This means that teachers have a big role to play especially in developing countries such as Uganda,” she added.
Hon. Janet further said the teacher as an agent of transformation should be a disciple-maker for the nation – raising responsible, skilled, and patriotic citizens who love their God but also love their neighbours just as they love themselves.
She said the government sees teachers as part of the solution, offering feasible alternatives that are sustainably transformational.
Mama Janet also thanked Education stakeholders and Partners in Development for holding hands to support Uganda’s Education sector in general.
She further recognized the contribution of the Government of Ireland, the New Vision, and Simba Travel, for the Program on Teachers Making a Difference.
At the same ceremony, a total of twelve (12) teachers countrywide were awarded for their outstanding service. They included; Okino Samuel (Lira district), Ogwal Dennis (Dokolo district), Siminyu Robert (Napak district), Ogwal George Ojala (Gulu district), Mukisa Francis (Kagadi district), Nangwala Rose (Lira district) and Ntwatwa Oscar (Kamwenge district).
Others were; Aluma Baduru (Yumbe district), Awego Jilda (Nebbi district), Benah Siminyu (Butaleja district) and Apalat Everlyn Rose (Tororo district) while Mr Masanja Innocent from Namalu Mixed Primary School in Nakapiripirit district was the overall best teacher.
The winners received different prizes that included among others; Computers, Printers, electronics and school sports equipment.
State Ministers for Education, Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo (Higher Education) and Dr Joyce Moriku Kaducu (Primary Education) performed the awarding of the best teachers on behalf of the President and the First Lady.
The annual World Teachers’ Day is aimed at celebrating the critical role of teachers in transforming learners’ potential.
The belated day attracted representatives from different teacher associations that included among others; the Private Primary Teachers Association of Uganda, Uganda Professional Science Teachers Union, Association of Secondary School Teachers of Uganda and Uganda Schools’ Principals Association.
Others were; the Ambassador of Ireland to Uganda, Members of Parliament and representatives of Diplomatic Missions in Uganda.