HOIMA, 24th August, 2024 — The Bunyoro Sub-Region Youth Training Meeting, organized by the Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU), took place at Kolping Hotel, Hoima, bringing together 53 youth teachers from across the sub-region. This event aimed to foster leadership potential, collaboration, and unity among young educators. The meeting featured notable attendees, including the Regional Chairperson Western, the Regional Secretary for Planning and Organising, the General Secretary of UNATU, the Branch Chairpersons, the Regional Administrator Western, and a guest youth speaker from Kyenjojo District.
Welcome Remarks by the Host Chairperson, Hoima City
The event kicked off with a warm welcome from the Host Chairperson of Hoima City, who expressed his delight in hosting such a vibrant group of youth teachers. He emphasized the significance of their roles as ambassadors of the union, urging them to take pride in their selection as the crème de la crème. He acknowledged the challenges in identifying youth teachers due to recruitment issues but assured everyone that they were at home in Hoima City. With these encouraging words, he introduced the Regional Chairperson Western to officially open the meeting.
Official Opening by Regional Chairperson Western
In his opening remarks, David Mugenyi recognized the meeting as timely and essential, especially in addressing the needs of the youth. He commended the resilience of the young teachers, asserting that without the youth, the teaching fraternity would lose its vibrancy. Mugenyi urged the attendees to embrace leadership opportunities, particularly in the secondary sub-sector, and to make financially sound decisions. He left the youth with a strong message: “Love yourselves, embrace your profession, and be financially literate.”
Inspirational presentation by Youth Representative from Kyenjojo District
Janet Kobugabe, a dynamic youth representative, delivered a captivating and interactive presentation that resonated deeply with her peers. She stressed the importance of integrating ICT into teaching, embracing the digital era, highlighting the role of youth in mobilizing and leading within the union. Janet called for enthusiasm, unity, and leadership, urging the youth to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them. She also praised UNATU’s women empowerment initiatives, expressing her pride in being a part of the union. Her parting words were a call to action: “If you don’t change, change will change you.”
Communication from the General Secretary of UNATU
The General Secretary of UNATU, Baguma Filbert Bates, delivered a powerful message to the youth, urging them to be mindful of their roles as teachers, as their actions significantly impact their learners’ futures. He encouraged them to channel their abundant energy into building the union and bettering themselves, stressing the importance of utilizing time efficiently and living stress-free lives. He highlighted the dangers of multiple loans and unnecessary financial stress, advising the youth to live within their means and focus on information that builds them. He also called for youth teachers to explore leadership opportunities and prepare for retirement early, emphasizing the importance of knowing what they want and thinking creatively about their futures. He also asked the youth teachers to pursue literature on the union through the UNATU website, www.unatu.org.
The GS further discussed the integration of ICT in learning, cautioning against the misuse of gadgets. He provided detailed insights on the National Teacher Policy and the National Teacher Council, which will regulate the teaching profession. Additionally, he covered various aspects of retirement, and their different types. He cautioned them on the importance of keeping proper documentation when getting permission. He concluded by urging the youth to be proactive in seeking information about their rights and responsibilities as teachers, to save and invest wisely, and to take on leadership roles.
Plenary Session: Youth Voices Heard
The plenary session was a highlight of the meeting, allowing the youth to voice their concerns and seek guidance from the leadership. Issues raised included the need for ICT training, education loans, salary enhancements, and more sensitization on various teacher-related matters. The youth expressed gratitude to the General Secretary for his empowering speech and guidance. They also discussed challenges such as high teacher-pupil ratios, validation issues, sexual harassment, intimidation and the need for stronger representation in leadership roles.
Response from the General Secretary
In response, the General Secretary addressed each issue with clarity and commitment. He assured the youth that ICT training would commence soon and highlighted the UNATU laptop scheme as an affordable option for members. He also emphasized the importance of forwarding to the teacher leaders valid information in improving teaching conditions. He encouraged the youth to disseminate what they learned. He also provided insights on pension calculations, corporate wear, and salary enhancements, urging the teachers to be resilient and stand for their rights.
Appreciation from the Regional Administrator, Western Region
Patience Okiria, the Regional Administrator Western Region, closed the meeting with words of appreciation. She commended the youth for their 100% attendance and urged them to be the voice of UNATU among their peers. She encouraged them to recruit more members and carry the torch of UNATU’s values and mission forward.
The Bunyoro Sub-Region Youth Training Meeting ended on a high note, with the youth teachers feeling empowered and inspired. They pledged to carry the torch of UNATU, determined to make a difference in their communities and beyond. This gathering was not just a meeting but was a celebration of youth, leadership, and the bright future of the union.
I have a concern an rising can UNATU also look into helping teachers getting medical insurance So that they access treatment from hospitals with ease.
Yes thats a good Idea, we looked into it but we couldn’t find a a service provider who would charge a fair price to teachers. However we are still looking into it