As teachers celebrate the world teachers day, members under the umbrella body Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) have appealed to the government to look into the matter of salary enhancement for arts teachers.
The Minister for Education, Janet Kataha Museveni revealed earlier that this year’s national teachers day will be celebrated under the theme “Transformation of education starts with teachers.”
Several teachers were visibly absent from duty today in honor of the internationally recognized day, whose national celebrations have been pushed to November 11, 2022.
During a mini function at Akamwesi, UNATU and other education management stakeholders called for teachers to be empowered, adequately recruited, well remunerated and motivated or supported within a well resourced efficient and governed system.
They also asked the government to make more deliberate effort in improving the quality of teachers starting with upping the grade and ensuring the quality of education system that produce these teachers to the improvement of the teachers welfare.
Minsa Kabanda, the Minister for Kampala acknowledged the plight of Arts teachers whose salaries were not increased alongside their science counterparts. She explained that cabinet is aware of their plight and is devising means to improve their salaries as well.
“I know you are suffering, but be patient we shall work on you. It is because of Covid-19 situation that we delayed. I know how it is to share one staff-room and eat same meals while your colleagues earn higher than you,” she said
Zadock Tumuhimbise, the UNATU National Chairperson, says that as the country marks the teachers’ day, the government should be mindful that teachers of arts and those in primary education are serving with heavy hearts.
“One wonders if indeed there is actual teaching and learning taking place. discriminatory tendencies within the teaching fraternity breeds disunity, demoralization of the unfavoured and affect staff teamwork and unity which is required for the delivery of quality education,” said Tumuhimbise.
The government increased the salary of science teachers by nearly 300 percent, a decision that stirred divisions in the education sector. In several schools, sharp divisions emerged among the science and arts teachers.
Compiled by Rashidah Nakaayi
