Uganda joined the rest of the world in celebrating International Teachers’ Day were Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba, delivered a powerful call to action, urging teachers to unite, strategize, and position themselves for future growth in event organised by teachers in Namutumba at District ceremonial grounds
The Minister for General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba was the chief guest urged Uganda’s educators to adopt a more strategic approach to addressing the challenges they face, particularly in the post-COVID era. Lumumba, who served as the chief guest at the event, emphasized the importance of unity and planning, drawing on the experience of scientists during the pandemic as a model for how teachers could better advocate for their needs.
“Fellow teachers, the treasury has money competing demands and remember we are recovering from COVID,” Lumumba said. “It was during COVID that scientists were trying to put their case properly, they were working in teams, they convinced everybody that now we need science for survival. So, we as teachers of arts, we need to get to the drawing board and lay strategies for a better performance.”
Her comments resonated deeply with the audience of teachers, many of whom have struggled with financial instability, poor infrastructure, and salary disparities. She urged educators to use the lessons of the pandemic as an opportunity to strengthen their financial systems, specifically encouraging them to embrace microfinance initiatives through the teachers’ SACCOs. She also stressed that teachers, especially those in the arts, must find their collective voice to advocate for their value in Uganda’s development.
The Minister’s speech centered around the idea that teachers, like scientists during COVID-19, must work together to demonstrate their importance to the nation.
“We need to approach the challenges we face as a united force. Only through teamwork and a well-formulated strategy can we secure the future for ourselves and the students we serve,” Lumumba emphasized.
Ibun Philip, Deputy Secretary General of the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU), highlighted the significance of this day in recognizing the immense contributions of teachers, while also underscoring the financial and professional hurdles they continue to face.
“We must acknowledge the tireless work of our teachers, but we also need to ensure that they are properly supported,” Philip stated. He echoed the Minister’s call for better financial strategies, praising the government’s efforts to support teachers but insisting more must be done to improve salaries, infrastructure, and working conditions.
Namayingo District LCV Chairperson Sanya Ronald expressed his gratitude for the government’s support in improving educational facilities but acknowledged that more needs to be done to uplift teachers. He also thanked the government of Iceland for their continued assistance in improving teacher welfare in the district.
Margret Makhoha, the Woman Member of Parliament for Namayingo, pointed out the alarming trend, urging parents to offer better career guidance to their children to keep them in school. “We cannot allow our future to slip through our fingers,” she said, calling on parents, teachers, and local leaders to collaborate in addressing this crisis.
As the celebrations came to a close, Minister Lumumba reiterated the critical role teachers play in nurturing Uganda’s future leaders and innovators. She encouraged educators to come together, align their efforts, and build on the momentum from International Teachers’ Day to advocate for their rightful place in Uganda’s development.
This International Teachers’ Day highlighted not just the achievements of Uganda’s educators but the urgent need for strategic planning and unity as teachers work to improve their financial stability and professional standing in a rapidly changing world.
