Teachers assured of salary enhancements
He noted that despite the challenges, the literacy rate has risen from 43% to 76% due to a focus on mass education.
Kampala: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has assured public service teachers that the government plans to enhance their salaries, albeit in a phased manner.
Speaking at the belated World Teachers’ Day celebrations at Lugogo Cricket Oval, Museveni emphasized the government’s commitment to improving compensation as the economy grows and inflation remains low.
“Our target is to pay all public servants well while also increasing their numbers,” he stated, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for more teachers, with a potential shortfall of 300,000 teachers for 15 million learners.
During the event, which was themed “Valuing Teachers’ Voices Towards a New Social Contract for Education,” Museveni explained that the government initially focused on enhancing salaries for science teachers, but plans to address the needs of arts teachers as well. He noted that effective planning and prioritization are key to these improvements.
The President reflected on the government’s journey since taking power, highlighting the efforts to revive Uganda’s economy, which had collapsed. He noted that despite the challenges, the literacy rate has risen from 43% to 76% due to a focus on mass education.
In addition to salary enhancements, Museveni fulfilled a previous pledge of 20 billion shillings to support three National Teachers Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs), which will provide crucial financial assistance, especially to teachers in rural areas.
First Lady and Minister of Education, Maama Janet Museveni, praised teachers for their significant role in nurturing future generations. She acknowledged the increasing demands placed on educators and the need for individual accountability within the teaching profession.
The Minister of State for Primary Education, Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, reiterated the importance of teachers in shaping better citizens and expressed gratitude for the President’s investment in the education sector.
UNESCO’s Chief of Education, Mr. Sow Mamadou Lamine, addressed the global challenges facing the teaching profession, including low pay and excessive workloads, calling for cooperation to resolve these issues.
Teachers’ unions, represented by Mr. Evans Mutesasira, expressed appreciation for the government’s commitment to improving teacher salaries, particularly for science educators.
As part of the celebrations, Vision Group recognized 12 outstanding teachers with awards for their contributions to education, with plans for the top winners to participate in professional development courses in Ireland. The overall winner, Mr. Moses Echweru, was highlighted for his exceptional impact on the education sector.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including ministers, diplomats, and educational partners, all of whom recognized the essential role teachers play in Uganda’s socio-economic development.
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