On 22nd August 2024, Western Region stakeholders convened at Fort View Hotel, Fortportal City, for a critical meeting that brought together key players in the education sector. The event attracted 13 Human Resource Officers (HROs) from all districts within the Western Region, 14 UNATU Branch Chairpersons from Western Region, and high-level representatives from UNATU, including the General Secretary, the Regional Chairperson, the Vice Regional Chairperson, the Simameni Project Officer Western, and the Regional Coordinator.
Welcome remarks from the Host Branch Chairperson
The Host Branch Chairperson from Fortportal City opened the meeting by welcoming all participants. He expressed gratitude to the General Secretary and the technical team for organizing the meeting and appreciated the HROs for their collaboration with UNATU. He acknowledged their support in addressing the welfare issues of teachers, particularly in matters related to payroll and the timely provision of information on salary delays. His words set the tone for a day of fruitful deliberations.
Communication from Regional chairperson, Western
The Regional Chairperson, Mugyenyi David, reiterated the importance of unity between HROs and UNATU, recognizing the significant workload both parties carry. He highlighted the need for continuous collaboration and praised the HROs for their consistent efforts in providing vital information to teachers, particularly around events like World Teachers’ Day. He also emphasized the importance of HROs meeting teachers at sub-county or county levels and encouraged them to share their experiences during the meeting.
Membership insights
Nuwagaba Silver, the Regional Coordinator, provided insights into the membership dynamics within the Western Region, stressing the importance of monthly schedules in tracking subscribing members. He urged the HROs to streamline processes and attend teacher forums to convey vital information. His presentation highlighted the necessity of having clear, responsible persons handling teacher issues and reducing communication gaps.
Key Note speech from the General Secretary
The General Secretary of UNATU, Baguma Filbert Bates, delivered a comprehensive address, thanking the HROs for their ongoing collaboration with UNATU. He highlighted the interdependent relationship between UNATU and the HROs, emphasising that what affects UNATU also impacts the HR offices. Addressing the mental health challenges facing both teachers and HROs, he acknowledged the stress caused by salary discrimination and the transition from IPPS to HCM, which has introduced new challenges such as double deductions and code dropping. He underscored the need for timely submission of teachers’ forms for coding to prevent union issues, especially in cases involving bereavement where a former member may not be helped.
The GS also focused on the critical issue of high teacher attrition, revealing that many teachers are opting to retire early due to stress and the promise of huge gratuity packages. He urged the stakeholders to focus on potential membership and close the existing gaps.He also asked them to work with the chairpersons to work on recruiting new members during induction sessions. He also requested the chairpersons to work with the office of the Human Resource and not individual officers.
Multiple Loans and Financial Fraud
During the meeting, the General Secretary of UNATU, Baguma Filbert Bates, highlighted the troubling issue of multiple loans and financial fraud affecting teachers. He explained that many teachers are burdened by loans, often because they are living beyond their means, and in some cases, their original documents are held by loan officers. This has led to serious consequences, such as teachers being unable to validate their employment, risking their jobs over relatively small loan amounts. He emphasized the need for greater financial awareness among teachers and called for improved communication between HR officers and teacher leaders to address these financial pitfalls and protect teachers from falling into deeper financial distress. He also Sited UNATU SACCO as a solution to some of these issues
Plenary Session and Key Issues
In the plenary session, the participants raised concerns about high teacher attrition, particularly in Kasese where 90 had applied for early retirement in the month of July, and the impact of validation issues on teacher welfare. They also addressed the issue of forged information being circulated in UNATU’s name to which the GS explained effectively. They also acknowledged the need for better communication and coordination between UNATU and the HR offices. The General Secretary responded by reaffirming UNATU’s commitment to fighting for teacher welfare and addressing the challenges posed by the validation exercise.
Conclusion
The meeting concluded with a strong commitment from all parties to work together in addressing the issues raised. The General Secretary also provided updates on the UNATU Laptop Scheme, which aims to offer affordable laptops to UNATU members, including HROs as strategic partners. The meeting ended on a positive note, with participants expressing their gratitude for the engagement and pledging to fill the gaps identified during the discussions.
The Western Region stakeholders meeting marked a significant step forward in enhancing collaboration and addressing the critical issues affecting teachers in the region. Through continued dialogue and partnership, UNATU and the HR officers aim to create a better working environment for teachers, ensuring their well-being and professional growth.
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