Date: 25th July 2025
Location: Canon Apollo Teacher Training Institute, Fort Portal – Western Region
Week 2 of the Teaching Together Program officially concluded on 25th July 2025 at Canon Apollo Teacher Training Institute, Fort Portal. The week-long Continuous Professional Development (CPD) training—jointly facilitated by the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF)—brought together 50 educators from Kitagwenda and Bundibugyo districts for an immersive, skills-based experience aimed at elevating teaching standards across the region. The same program also concluded at Bishop Willis TTI in Iganga, Busoga Region, for participants from Bugiri and Mayuge.
Demonstrating Impact Through Practice
The closing was marked by dynamic group presentations in which participants conducted mock classroom sessions. These showcased key themes learned during the week, including instructional strategies, learner-centered approaches, classroom management, learning styles, and leadership in education. Each group received constructive feedback to help refine their practices and deepen professional impact.
Gender and SRGBV: Building Safer, More Inclusive Schools
A session on Gender and School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV), led by the UNATU Gender Officer, explored critical topics such as the distinction between sex and gender, gender roles, and socialization. Teachers discussed real-life SRGBV scenarios and unpacked terms like gender equity, equality, stereotypes, and responsiveness.
The facilitator challenged participants to recognize their power as 21st-century educators, emphasizing the need to cultivate safe, respectful, and inclusive environments for both girls and boys. She stressed that while gender roles may differ, mutual respect must be foundational. Participants acknowledged the need for more training on SRGBV and called for continued sensitization and stakeholder collaboration.
Unionization and Teachers’ Rights
UNATU’s General Secretary, Mr. Baguma Filbert Bates, delivered a passionate and in-depth session on unionism and teachers’ rights. He thanked participants for their commitment and encouraged them to take pride in their work, reminding them that “a healthy mind in a healthy body” is key to effectiveness in the classroom.
He urged educators to invest in their personal and professional development, avoid unnecessary loans, and prioritize a healthy work-life balance. On mental health, Mr. Baguma called on teachers to recognize stress factors and seek psychosocial support when needed—both for themselves and their learners. He also emphasized alternatives to corporal punishment, in line with Ministry of Education directives.
On gender equity, he encouraged female educators to pursue land ownership, understand their rights, and approach marriage with strategic awareness. He detailed employment benefits and retirement provisions, including:
•Maternity leave: 60 working days
•Paternity leave: 7 days
•Sick leave: With medical recommendation
•Retirement:
•Marriage grounds (after 5 years of service, female teachers)
•Medical grounds (formal documentation required)
•10 years of service (aged 45+) or 20 years (no age limit)
•Mandatory retirement at 60 years
•Death (triggers pension benefits)
He reminded teachers to document official leave properly, as it impacts appraisals and future evaluations.
National Teacher Policy: Clarifications and Guidance
Mr. Baguma addressed key elements of the National Teacher Policy, especially the 10-year upgrade requirement. He clarified that the timeline has not yet commenced, as the enabling Bill is still pending. He reassured older teachers and encouraged younger educators to begin preparing for further studies.
He emphasized the role of the National Teacher Council and stressed the importance of Continuous Professional Development (CPD), Social Dialogue, and Teacher Licensing and Certification in Uganda’s teacher professionalization agenda.
Defending Unity and Advancing Advocacy
Reinforcing the importance of solidarity, Mr. Baguma warned against splinter groups that dilute union power and create confusion. “We must unite more than ever before,” he urged.
While UNATU does not directly control salaries, he noted that the union continues to engage key stakeholders—such as the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Parliamentary Committee on Education—to advocate for fair pay and better working conditions.He concluded by reminding teachers of their constitutional rights, including the right to organize and seek representation, and urged them to be lifelong learners and unified voices in the profession.
Canadian Teachers’ Federation: A Message of Gratitude and Encouragement
Speaking on behalf of the Canadian team, Nadia, the CTF representative, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the participants for their active engagement throughout the week. She thanked the Ugandan tutors for their warm collaboration, the college administration for its hospitality, and UNATU for making the exchange possible. Nadia emphasized that the experience had been mutually enriching—noting that the Canadian team had learned just as much from the Ugandan teachers. She encouraged participants to take the knowledge gained and apply it meaningfully in their classrooms, creating lasting impact in the lives of their learners.
Closing and Certificate Award
Participants received certificates of completion and were encouraged to return to their schools not just as beneficiaries, but as ambassadors. They were tasked with sharing knowledge and initiating CPD sessions for fellow teachers—ensuring the ripple effect of Teaching Together continues to uplift Uganda’s education system.
