UNATU backs govt on academic requirements for headteachers

The Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) has backed Government's policy where head teachers of Primary Schools should possess a Bachelor's degree qualification.

Filbert Baguma the deputy general secretary in charge of mobilization and relations pointed out that head teachers have no choice but to comply with government's policy.

The head teachers protested the policy in their general meeting of Uganda Primary School Headteachers' Association (UPSHA) saying it was not possible to obtain the degree by 2017.

They instead requested for grace period of five years to attain the qualification.

Baguma while addressing teachers at Bat Valley Primary School in Kampala reminded them of Government's standing order of U4 salary scale is supposed to be a graduate citing the sub-county chief.

"There is no cause for alarm. We can't bend the policy, the best way for you is to upgrade," Baguma said.

On absenteeism Baguma told the teachers that they are the ones to blame when government assesses poor performing schools and would want an axe to fall on none performers.

"You have demanded for salary increase and yet pupils' performance has not improved.  When time comes for looking at worst performing schools you will find yourself a victim," he said.

He advised teachers to ensure quality education is pursued.

David Ssengendo the chairman of UPSHA appealed to all stakeholders of UPE to play their roles.

He castigated parents and members of the community for absconding their duty of providing scholastic materials and packed food for their children.

The teachers underlined the causes of absenteeism as domestic violence, long distance, fear of being arrested by loan sharks as some teachers have got loans among others.