By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
NATIONAL
The Ugandan government has been called upon to enhance the working conditions of teachers across the country.
In Uganda, teachers are often undervalued and underappreciated by both society and the government. They face low pay, lack motivation, and are inadequately supported. Many teachers in public schools are not provided with sufficient scholastic materials to carry out their duties effectively.
In addition to these challenges, the government has further compounded the situation by creating divisions between science and arts teachers, resulting in salary disparities despite both groups carrying similar workloads.
Sharon Oyat Arach, the spokesperson for the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), emphasized the government’s responsibility to improve teachers’ welfare and ensure equal pay regardless of the subjects they teach.
“The government must improve the working conditions of teachers. Many are not even provided with basic necessities like breakfast or lunch. Small allowances should be introduced to motivate them to enter the classroom and teach our children,” Arach stated.
Arach highlighted the crucial role teachers play in fostering growth in both the education sector and the country’s human resource development. She called for the equal treatment and remuneration of all teachers in Uganda.
The UPC’s remarks come as the country prepares to celebrate International Teachers’ Day on October 5.
