OPINION
Uganda’s education sector, once a beacon of hope and unity, is on the verge of collapse. The foundation of the country’s future is crumbling, leaving a trail of disillusioned youth, demotivated teachers, and a fractured system. This downward spiral threatens to undermine the nation’s progress and prosperity.
The sector faces a crisis of identity, where the pursuit of knowledge has been replaced by the pursuit of wealth. A discriminatory salary structure pits science teachers against their art counterparts, creating a toxic environment of resentment and discontent. This is a recipe for disaster, where the very people responsible for shaping young minds are undervalued and overworked.
The Ministry of Education’s decision to burden teachers with the financial responsibility of furthering their own education adds insult to injury, indicating a lack of commitment to the teaching profession. The curriculum, once a carefully crafted framework for learning, has been hastily altered, leaving teachers ill-equipped to implement its tenets. Constant changes have created uncertainty, making it difficult for teachers to plan and deliver effective lessons.
The consequences are far-reaching. University entrants are skeptical about pursuing teaching courses, while senior teachers are opting for early retirement or abandoning the profession altogether. The teaching profession has lost its allure, a tragedy that underscores the need for radical change.
We must not forget the transformative power of knowledge and skills or abandon the notion that education is the great equalizer, capable of bridging the divide between the haves and have-nots. It’s time for a radical overhaul of the education sector, prioritizing the needs of teachers and students. The future of Uganda depends on it.
The writer is Mukama Philip Kahigiriza a digital journalist and writer.
