As the country joins the rest of the world to celebrate the annual international labour day on May 1, primary teachers across the Busoga sub-region are unhappy with their working environment.
Hajjat Aisha Kumutala Watongola, the chairperson of Uganda National Association of Teachers Union (UNATU) in charge of Busoga, explains the unfavourable working situations primary teachers encounter while executing their professional duties.
Hajjat Watongola calls on the government to address the issues affecting teachers at their respective schools. She stresses the long journeys moved by teachers as schools do not have staff quarters to accommodate the educationists.
“The labour day would be celebrated well if teachers are happy. We, especially primary teachers, are suffering a lot in the education sector. We need serious attention from government,” said Watongola.
She says the government’s efforts to ensure the well-being of a teacher remain futile as the police tend to be unbalanced. Watongola cites the recent salary increment to teachers, which only favoured the science teachers.
“As if the authorities don’t see the work of primary and arts teachers! Their salary is unfair yet they also live in the same community with higher salary earners. We share the same markets, health facilities, and every basic need, but our salary is not okay,” she stated.
She highlights that some schools do not have conducive classrooms, affecting both teachers and learners as studies are conducted uncomfortably.
“President Museveni was in Namutumba district for the 2023 labour day celebrations, but since then, teachers have not changed in terms of working environment. We continue demanding better working environments as teachers in Busoga,” she added.
The UNATU chairperson is also concerned with members of Parliament, whom she says have not effectively represented legislated for teachers. She wants the August House to intervene and address the teacher’s issues as it is efforts of the teachers that enabled MPs to be recognised.
This year’s national labour celebrations were organized at Mukabura play ground in Fort Portal city on the theme; “Improving Access to labour justice: A prerequisite for increased productivity.
The colour event was graced by President Yoweri Museveni, who emphasises the importance of agriculture in creating jobs. He discouraged the young people from travelling abroad in search of employment opportunities.
