On 21st July, 2025 Week 2 of the Teaching Together program officially opened at Bishop Willis Teacher Training Institute in Iganga, Busoga Region. This professional development initiative—jointly implemented by the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF)—is part of a broader commitment to strengthen teaching quality across Uganda. A parallel cohort from Bundibugyo and Kitagwenda is undergoing the same training at Canon Apollo Teacher Training Institute in Fort Portal, Western Uganda, demonstrating the program’s national scope and impact.
Opening Remarks: A Call to Share, Unite, and Serve
The Principal of Bishop Willis TTI welcomed the participants and thanked UNATU and CTF for their commitment to strengthening the teaching profession. He encouraged the teachers to work diligently, share experiences, and remain united under a single union. He cautioned against burdensome loans and divisive splinter groups, reminding participants of the strength found in solidarity.
Voices of Leadership from Busoga Branches
Chairpersons from Iganga, Mayuge, and Bugiri applauded the initiative and emphasized unity, professionalism, and active participation. They urged participants to embrace unionism, share the knowledge gained with colleagues back in their schools, and represent the program positively. The Chairperson of the Primary Teachers’ Association also echoed the call for solidarity and thanked the UNATU General Secretary for his authentic leadership.
Program Overview: Rebranding from INSET to Teaching Together
The UNATU Program Officer traced the evolution of the initiative—from INSET to Teaching Together. He noted that Bishop Willis TTI has now hosted the program three times, underscoring the trust placed in the institution. He highlighted that the intervention is rooted in UNATU’s mission to support Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for educators.
District Education Perspective
The District Education Officer (DEO) from Bugiri commended UNATU for selecting Bugiri and Mayuge for participation. She urged teachers to approach the training with a positive mindset and underscored the value of sound financial decision-making. She emphasized the union’s role in professional growth and encouraged deeper engagement with UNATU.
CTF Remarks: Partnership in Action
The CTF Team Leader introduced her colleagues and shared that the Canadian Teachers’ Federation represents over 375,000 teachers. She praised the strong collaboration with UNATU and expressed optimism for meaningful learning and exchange. She thanked the Ministry of Education and commended Uganda’s commitment to teacher development.
Official Opening by UNATU General Secretary
The UNATU General Secretary officially opened the program, reflecting on his journey as a young teacher leader. He urged participants to remain resilient, resist mixing politics with the profession, and avoid unnecessary social pressure that leads to loans. He thanked CTF for their enduring partnership and acknowledged the tutors and institutions that make Teaching Together a success.
Gender and SRGBV: Creating Safe Learning Spaces
A critical session was delivered by the UNATU Gender Officer on Gender and School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV). Participants explored key concepts including the difference between sex and gender, the role of socialization, and strategies for creating inclusive classrooms. Real-life scenarios were used to unpack SRGBV challenges, with a call to action: “Be champions in the fight against SRGBV.” Participants acknowledged existing gaps in gender training and advocated for continued engagement.
Unionisation: Knowing and Defending Teachers’ Rights
A compelling session on unionisation, led by the General Secretary, reminded participants of the core mandate of UNATU—to promote the cause of education and protect the rights of teachers. He encouraged teachers to:
- Seek accurate information via the UNATU website and platforms.
- Understand employment rights such as 60 working days of maternity leave and 7 days of paternity leave.
- Make informed decisions about retirement, including:
- Marriage grounds (5 years for female teachers),
- Medical grounds (subject to vetting),
- Pensionable service: 10 years + 45 years or 20 years regardless of age,
- Mandatory retirement at 60 years,
- Death (as a pension trigger).
He cautioned against social pressure leading to unwise financial decisions such as loan burdens and emphasized early retirement planning.
He also explained components of the National Teacher Policy, including:
- The 10-year upgrade provision (not yet active),
- The establishment of the National Teacher Council,
- Frameworks such as Continuous Professional Development, Social Dialogue, and Licensing & Certification.
His final appeal: “Fragmentation weakens us. Let us stand together and speak with one voice.”
Looking Ahead
As the week unfolds, teachers from Iganga, Bugiri, and Mayuge will gain valuable skills to elevate their classroom practices and influence school environments. The Teaching Together program continues to stand as a powerful platform for collaborative growth, ensuring that educators are equipped, empowered, and united in their mission.
