We want our pension - teachers tell government

The Uganda National Teacher's Union UNATU has today expressed its concern over the nonpayment of teachers' salaries pensions and gratuity of most teachers without any official explanation for close to two months (July and August 2016) in most of the districts and municipalities.

"These issues are not only affecting the welfare and motivation of our teachers but have the potential to revive the conflict between the teachers and government, this would be an unfortunate situation for the country and our learners because the quality of our education continues to slump yet the morale of our teachers who are the drivers of quality education is at an all-time low." says James Tweheyo UNATU general secretary at a press briefing held today at Teacher's House bombo road

Tweheyo further stated that the Ministry of Finance committed that the affected teachers where to be paid their two month salary in August 2016 which was last month but it was not done. So teachers have continued to hang in balance even after this same issue was raised on the floor of parliament by our own workers' MP, Hon Margaret Rwabushaija but still no action was taken by Ministry of Finance.

He further appreciated the government for including the 15% salary increment for the lower category primary school teachers however some personnel officers have not yet affected the pay rise on the teachers' salaries in some districts like Kamuli as it seems that government has decided to effect salary increment selectively which has not created a salary anomaly on  all education sub-sectors

Tweheyo called upon all teachers, UNATU leadership and general public about the World Teachers' Day celebrations which will take place countrywide on October 5 2016 which will be a Wednesday in the designated venues and all teachers both public and private are to be part of the celebrations as it will be considered a public holiday to the teachers and learners.