By Tracy Acen Oiko
Despite government interventions to harmonize Arts and Science teachers’ salaries, reports on continued schools closure and absenteeism of some teacher in government schools continue to shoot up.
To the country’s socio-democratic party, UPC, this is being considered as a deliberate silent industrial action by teachers to express their grievances.
Arach Oyat Sharin, the UPC spokesperson urges teachers to desist from the silent industrial action and return to class to teach the nation’s children as per the agreement between them and UNATU.
“UPC urges all teachers to restrain themselves from carrying out a silent industrial action. This can be manifested in dodging classes, meagre curriculum coverage and taking sabbaticals without notice; since the government committed itself to harmonize Arts reachers’ salaries, let’s hope the teachers do their part in educating the next generation. ”
She made this call while speaking to journalists at UPC headquarters at Uganda House in Kampala on Tuesday.
Citing out the impact of the teaching fraternity, Oyat also appealed to government to effectively implement the agreements made between them and Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU)
“In this situation, there is no loser, but the only winner is Uganda representing the Government, Teachers and Schools! So we need to reconsolidate this victory for Uganda by doing everything possible that the agreements of such key meetings are effectively implemented in a truthful. Equitable and sustainable manner.”
In addition, UPC has tasked the speaker of parliament Rt Hon Anitah Among and the Prime minister Rt Hon Robinah Nabbanja Musafiri to give government strategic plans for the teaching fraternity as well as enhancing salaries for all civil servants.
