The nationwide teacher’s strike entered its second day today, with teachers in Mbale municipality warning government against issuing threats to sack them for demanding for better pay. Whereas the majority of teachers in Mbale municipality continued with their normal business this week, the teachers said they are only doing it to save their jobs.
They explain that they shied away from the strike because of fearing to be de-registered because several spies have been set up to identify teachers participating in strike. A teacher who spoke to URN on condition of anonymity for fear of being victimized said that most of them are considering fleeing to the neighboring countries such as South Sudan, Rwanda and Somalia where their services are on high demand.
He warns that should government continue to threaten them instead of improving their welfare, the education sector will also start struggling just like the health sector. The teacher says that like many doctors have fled the country for greener pastures, they are also considering their next move.
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A head teacher in one of the schools in Industrial division told URN that some of the teachers in his school have been approached for jobs in Rwanda, where there is better pay. He warned government against taking the teachers concerns lightly, saying that many of them would soon give up on teaching. He wonders why government continues to intimidate and harass them yet they are professional who can chose to work in any part of the world of their choice.
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The threats by government against striking teachers have attracted criticism from residents most of who asked government to back off and act now. Faisal Kalokola, a resident of Indian quarters in Mbale Municipality argues that teachers provide an essential milestone in everybody's life, adding that they deserve to be respected for and their job lifted.
Mark Womaniala, a resident of half London says it’s a big shame for government to threatening striking teachers yet they have genuine reasons for their action. He says government should treat teachers as the major bridge between the development of the nation and new innovations in society.
On Monday, Jessica Alupo, the minister of education warned that would take action against striking teachers. However, she later retracted her threat saying that no action will be taken against teachers involved in the two days strike arguing that they were misled by Uganda National Teacher’s Union. She instead warned that the ministry would deal with UNATU executive which they accuse of being diversionary.
Uganda National Teachers Union –UNATU are instead claiming victory over their industrial action. Teopista Birungi UNATU secretary on Tuesday said teachers have emerged the winners because government which had threatened to punish them rescinded its decision. She claimed that some schools opened because they were simply intimidated. The teachers presented this petition to parliament this afternoon, demanding for a better pay raise and improved working conditions.
