There is no salary that can make one rich unless that salary earner is a thief, Rukungiri district chief administrative officer Waswa Musokoyi has said. 

He made the remarks on October 5, 2022, during the International Teachers' Day celebrations held at Hotel Riverside in Rukungiri municipality.

"I'm a professional teacher who has previously taught in primary, secondary and university before joining the local government. I know what teachers go through. That's a reason I did not say anything during your industrial action," he said.

Musokoyi added that in Africa there is no salary that can make a person rich unless they haves another income.

"The other day, I was in Bwambara and I met an illiterate peasant earning sh10m in four months from rice growing, this means he is getting sh2.5m monthly which is the salary for five primary school teachers," he said.

I want you to think outside the box, even if your salary is enhanced as they promised, if you don't have a side income, it will not help you.

His remarks came after regional UNATU chairperson Denis Turwomwe said the next industrial action will be very serious and nobody will go back to class without the money they promised them.

Teachers getting food during the International Teachers' Day celebrations held at Hotel Riverside in Rukungiri municipality.

Early retirement

The district Principal human resource officer, Ivan Tumwebaze advised teachers to have income generating activities that will prompt them to request for early retirement.

"If you have your acre of coffee, banana and at least three good cows, there is no reason why you cannot ask for early retirement and go to look after your business," he said.

We are demoralised

UNATU chairperson Rukungiri branch, Lovence Biriho said the government has deliberately demoralized primary school teachers and arts teachers by not enhancing their salaries like their counterparts the scientists.

Don't despise any work

Rukungiri RDC Stephen Bewayo said educated people despise other work and end up poor.

He urged teachers to think outside the box and get any work that they can do alongside their teaching profession.

"I one time worked as a houseboy for two-and-a-half years to raise my school fees. When I studied accounts, I got a job in secondary school as bursar, but every weekend I would go to weddings to shoot pictures. I later I bought a disco from where I earned money to buy my first vehicle,” he said.