Mixed reaction over teachers’ strike

Countrywide

The expected strike by teachers across the country called by the Uganda National Teachers Union (Unatu) over salary increment was greeted with mixed reactions by teachers yesterday.

A spot check at most of the schools across the country established that while the strike took effect in some schools and had paralysed learning, others went about with normal duties. The Unatu had called on the teachers to lay down their tools yesterday, following government’s failure to grant their demand of a 100 per cent salary raise.

A number of schools across the country visited by Daily Monitor yesterday were in a dilemma whether to continue teaching or lay down their tools as it had been directed by union leaders. Primary school teachers in Mbale District in the east and Rukungir District, in the west seem to have been the only professionals who fully effected the call to strike.

Kampala
In Kampala, a visit to Railway Primary School, Old Kampala, Mengo Senior Secondary School, Kololo Secondary School, Bat Valley Primary School, and Old Kampala Primary School, revealed a sharp contrast to what was expected that teachers were to lay their tools as they got to their work stations on time. While classes were being conducted at Bat Valley Primary School, others did not have lessons as teachers could be seen lamenting their fate outside staff rooms.

At 10:13am, Railway Primary school was conducting an assembly and when asked why at this particular time, a teacher who asked not be named in order to protect her job, said the school had not propounded itself on the strike and was awaiting for the outcome of the Unatu executive meeting that was underway at Bat valley Primary School.

Schools like Gayaza High School, Gayaza Junior and Our Lady of Good Counsel were busy doing their end of term examination. The head teacher of Gayaza High School, Ms Victoria Kisarale, however said teachers are right to strike. “Our school being Catholic church founded, we have certain guidelines we follow and it cannot be easy for us to wake up one morning and stop teaching suddenly,” said a teacher at Our Lady of Good Counsel.

Acholi sub-region
Reports from Acholi sub-region established that teachers went about performing regular duties. Some of the teachers this paper talked to said there was need for them to continue teaching as the union officials consult.
The Nwoya District Education Officer, Mr Richard Irwenyo, said what is important for teachers in his district is the hardship allowances that they are yet to get in spite of government’s pledge about two years ago.

Eastern
In the east, learning was paralysed in the district of Mbale and some pupils took to the streets to demonstrate in support of their teachers. Pupils matched along Republic Street in Mbale Municipality carrying placards calling for the government to listen to teachers because “they hold our future.”

West Nile
In the West Nile region, teachers went about their work after the district Unatu chairman issued a radio announcement calling off the strike as they wait for outcome of the Kampala meeting. “We are waiting for outcome of the meeting in Kampala. If it is declared, we will lay down our tools. Otherwise all the teachers have reported for duty,” said Mr Gabriel Okumu, the head teacher of Nebbi primary school.

The chairman Koboko Secondary School Head teachers’ Association, Mr Nicholas Odeba, said he would not be part of any demonstrations or sit down strikes because the union’s demand came at a time when the country is financially crippled. Teachers in most districts in Western region did not participate in the much-anticipated strike.

Western region
In Hoima District, various teachers’ groups were met by district education officials and the Hoima Resident District Commission, Ms Jean Kaliba. “The teachers’ concerns are being handled at various levels up to a presidential level. We believe this will be addressed amicably” the Hoima municipal education officer, Mr Ibrahim Bigabwa, said. He said the teachers’ professional code of conduct has various guidelines on how they should address their concerns. “Striking is not among the recommended methods of seeking redress of teachers concerns,” Mr Bigabwa said.

In Kasese District, some teachers worked while others did not, but those who worked vowed to strike once Unatu pronounces itself on it. However, in Rukungiri District, leaning was paralysed in most primary schools as teacher laid down their tools. The head teacher Kinyasano Boarding Primary School, Mr Benard Tumushangye, told this newspaper that they will not return to classes until the government raises their pay by 100 per cent.

In Kabale, Mbarara, Kisoro, Bushenyi and Ntungamo, it was business as usual. The inspector of schools in Kisoro District, Mr Arigye Odo, said the situation was calm and the teachers were conducting lessons normally.

Reported by R.Wanambwa, A. Kiyaga C. Makumbi, B.Ndagire, J.Kigongo M, Kolyangha F, Warom, P,Okaba,M,Okudi,P.Aligo F. Basiime, F.Mugerwa, G.Muzoora, R.Tumusiime, J.Mugisa & E. Ninsiima Y.Yolisigira ,S.Wandera, D. Mafabi, R.Muhereza,F.Tumushabe, F. Kuheisa, P.Aruho and R.Mukombozi