By Fred Turyakira

As teachers in Uganda join the rest to celebrate the annual world teachers’ day today (Friday), schools in Kamwenge district have not received their UPE funds recently released by the ministry.

Every October 5 teachers are appreciated for the roles they have played in the education system worldwide.

James Tweheyo, the National   Uganda Teachers Union (UNATU) vice chairperson, said the teachers have not yet got their full support from the government as most schools have not yet received UPE funds for this quarter while science teachers have not received their salary increment yet.

Tweheyo highlighted that Science teachers at St. Peters SS, Nsambya have not received their increased salary.

In Kamwenge, up to eight primary schools have not received their UPE funds for this quarter. These include St. Jude Rwemirama, Kahunge, Bihanga, Ntara, Kayombo among others.

He said this is affecting students and teachers’ performance.

Crescent Tushabomwe, the head tecaher of Kahunge primary School said: “We are operating in hardships, because we have not received funds worth sh1.5m for this quarter.”

“We are depending on buying chalk and prep books for teachers on credit to keep the school running and could close any time before the term ends unless government releases some funds to salvage the situation,” he explained.

Eric Tumwiringire, the district education officer, said there was an error because the names of schools that missed were not corresponding with account numbers in the bank.

The national celebrations are being held at Pope Paul Memorial Centre in Rubaga, Kampala.