Several teachers in rural areas in Busoga region have not resumed duties following the two days teacher’s strike last week to protest low pay. They have resorted to ploughing their gardens saying that they are not certain of the government decision over their concerns. Some of the affected schools are in Mayuge, Bugiri, Luuka and Namutumba districts.
Irene Nabuwibo, head teacher Naluwerere Primary school says that sit down strike affected the collection of funds at the school. Nabuwibo says that she can not afford running the school without funds yet teachers are demanding for money before they can set end of term examinations. She says most teachers in her school have decided to stay away forcing most pupils to stay home.
Isaiah Were, Head teacher Hindocho primary school says there is a thin line between peasants and primary school teachers in his school as most of them eat mainly from their gardens. He says that most teachers have decided to abandon classes to plant some food for the survival of their families. Were says that it is usual for some teachers in his school to report late for work because they have to till their gardens.
He says unless government comes up with a concrete solution to address the teacher’s plight the situation is likely to worsen. Patrick Muyomba, headmaster Nabikuyi Primary school in Nawampiti Sub County in Luuka district says studies have not resumed at his school because of the destruction of school property by the teachers during the sit down strike.
He claims that the school furniture was burnt during the teacher’s sit down strike leaving pupils with no where to seat and attend lessons. Moses Mukisa, Mayuge district Secretary for Education says that over 142 schools in Mayuge were affected by the teachers strike. He however says despite the fact that the strike was called off only a few teachers have resumed their duties saying many of them have opted to stay away from work.
Mukisa is worried that the failure by teachers to resume their duties could affect the end of term exams. Musa Kigada, secretary Busoga Teachers Union says that the teachers strike was called off pending a government resolution over their salary increase demands. He advises teachers in the district to spare time and ensure pupils seat their end of term exams and return home with their report cards.
