Teachers rush to schools for registration
Sep 06, 2011
PRIMARY and secondary school teachers in Kampala and upcountry yesterday rushed to report back for the third term in spite of the strike planned by the Uganda National Teachers Union.
By VISION REPORTERS
PRIMARY and secondary school teachers in Kampala and upcountry yesterday rushed to report back for the third term in spite of the strike planned by the Uganda National Teachers Union.
However, some teachers dodged classes, complaining that the Government had ignored their concerns.
In a statement issued last evening, the education ministry said it had got reports from all regions that over 90% of the teachers turned up for work yesterday.
“The Ministry of Education would like to appreciate the professional conduct of the teachers who are ready to teach as the Government addresses the challenges they face,†a statement issued by Abdul Mutazindwa, the acting director of education standards, said.
A survey carried out in the city schools showed many operated normally, but some skipped classes. In Rubaga municipality, the schools had opened by 9:30am.
Headteachers had registered their teachers and students were in class.
The headteachers, however, blocked New Vision from talking to students while officials from the education ministry and security agencies also monitored the schools.
At Mengo Primary School, teachers said they had been forced to provide their services. “It is very absurd that the Government has disregarded our demands. It is now looking at how it can penalise us individually,†a teacher said.
At Kitebi SS, teachers said forcing them to work would affect the students. “I can’t give all my best when my grievances are not addressed,†the teacher explained.
In Nakawa, teachers turned up, but complained about the absence of students. They said they still had problems and wanted the
government to raise their pay.
At City High School, the teachers said they had no room for the strike because they had responsibilities and it was unprofessional.
At Kiswa Primary School, the head teacher said all teachers were present. But at BAT Valley Primary School, the teachers did not teach, saying they were waiting for advise from their union.
The school headteacher, Stephen Legesi, said: “My role is to open the school, but not to force the teachers to go to classes. All my teachers have registered their arrival, but I cannot force them to teach,†he said.
At St. Peter’s Nsambya SSS, the deputy headteacher, Augustine Kirungi, said: “Some teachers and students are around, but we cannot tell the teachers’ position until tomorrow because the term has just began.â€
At St. Peter’s Primary School, the headteacher, Francis Senabulya, said: “All my teachers have reported back to school. They go with the Government’s decision because it is the Government that pays them.â€
“My role is to open the school and enable school activities to start. All my teachers have reported despite the fact that they are not happy,†the Kawempe Muslim Primary School headteacher, Badru Senoga, said.
(Compiled by Raymond Baguma, Juliet Waiswa, Pascal Kwesiga, Brian Mayanja, Andrew Ssenyonga and Jeff Lule)
PRIMARY and secondary school teachers in Kampala and upcountry yesterday rushed to report back for the third term in spite of the strike planned by the Uganda National Teachers Union.
However, some teachers dodged classes, complaining that the Government had ignored their concerns.
In a statement issued last evening, the education ministry said it had got reports from all regions that over 90% of the teachers turned up for work yesterday.
“The Ministry of Education would like to appreciate the professional conduct of the teachers who are ready to teach as the Government addresses the challenges they face,†a statement issued by Abdul Mutazindwa, the acting director of education standards, said.
A survey carried out in the city schools showed many operated normally, but some skipped classes. In Rubaga municipality, the schools had opened by 9:30am.
Headteachers had registered their teachers and students were in class.
The headteachers, however, blocked New Vision from talking to students while officials from the education ministry and security agencies also monitored the schools.
At Mengo Primary School, teachers said they had been forced to provide their services. “It is very absurd that the Government has disregarded our demands. It is now looking at how it can penalise us individually,†a teacher said.
At Kitebi SS, teachers said forcing them to work would affect the students. “I can’t give all my best when my grievances are not addressed,†the teacher explained.
In Nakawa, teachers turned up, but complained about the absence of students. They said they still had problems and wanted the
government to raise their pay.
At City High School, the teachers said they had no room for the strike because they had responsibilities and it was unprofessional.
At Kiswa Primary School, the head teacher said all teachers were present. But at BAT Valley Primary School, the teachers did not teach, saying they were waiting for advise from their union.
The school headteacher, Stephen Legesi, said: “My role is to open the school, but not to force the teachers to go to classes. All my teachers have registered their arrival, but I cannot force them to teach,†he said.
At St. Peter’s Nsambya SSS, the deputy headteacher, Augustine Kirungi, said: “Some teachers and students are around, but we cannot tell the teachers’ position until tomorrow because the term has just began.â€
At St. Peter’s Primary School, the headteacher, Francis Senabulya, said: “All my teachers have reported back to school. They go with the Government’s decision because it is the Government that pays them.â€
“My role is to open the school and enable school activities to start. All my teachers have reported despite the fact that they are not happy,†the Kawempe Muslim Primary School headteacher, Badru Senoga, said.
(Compiled by Raymond Baguma, Juliet Waiswa, Pascal Kwesiga, Brian Mayanja, Andrew Ssenyonga and Jeff Lule)