Mbale City, July 18, 2024 — The Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) organized a pivotal Regional Youth Meeting at the Elgon Palace Hotel, drawing 155 youth teachers from across the Eastern region. This event aimed to bridge the information gap among young educators, fostering leadership and advocacy within the union.
The gathering featured various union leaders, including the branch chairpersons of Eastern region, the Eastern Regional Chairperson, the National Representative for Primary Education, the National Secretary for Education Professional Standards and Discipline, the General Secretary, and the Regional Coordinator. Their collective goal was to empower young teachers with the knowledge and tools necessary for professional and personal growth.
Opening Remarks and Purpose:
The Regional Chairperson set the tone by welcoming the attendees and explaining the meeting’s purpose: to bridge the information gap for youth teachers. He emphasized the importance of the younger generation taking on leadership roles within the union, stating, “Why the youth? The old must flow into the new.” He encouraged active participation, urging attendees to freely ask questions and engage in discussions.
Professional Standards and Ethics:
The National Secretary for Education Professional Standards and Discipline highlighted the significance of corporate wear, pride in the union anthem, and adherence to the code of ethics. He urged the youth to remain vigilant and uphold the standards set by UNATU, reinforcing the importance of maintaining professional decorum.
Leadership and Information:
The General Secretary Baguma Filbert Bates delivered an inspiring address, posing the question, “Who is UNATU?” and answering, “Us, the subscribing members.” He stressed the importance of being informed professionals and avoiding misinformation. “Whenever you ask what UNATU has done, you should ask, what have I done?” he challenged, encouraging active participation and leadership among the youth.
The Mandate of UNATU:
UNATU’s mandate, based on two pillars; protection and promotion
- Protection:
– The General Secretary detailed the protection of teachers’ rights, referencing Chapter 4 of the Ugandan Constitution, which outlines human rights and freedoms. He emphasized Article 40, which covers economic rights, including the right to form or join a trade union, collective bargaining, and representation.
– He explained that industrial action, such as striking, is a legal right and discussed maternity (60 working days) and paternity leave (7 working days) entitlements, urging young mothers to familiarize themselves with the professional code of conduct.
- Promotion:
– UNATU’s role in promoting educational development in Uganda was highlighted. Youth teachers were encouraged to prepare for retirement from the start of their careers and to view teaching as a stepping stone to better opportunities.
Retirement and Leave:
The meeting provided detailed steps for retirement and emphasized the importance of always having permission when absent. Teachers were reminded that their families are entitled to pension and gratuity benefits under certain conditions, such as mandatory retirement at age 60 or retirement on medical grounds.
Financial Literacy:
Youth teachers were advised to avoid unnecessary loans and live within their means. The General Secretary stressed the importance of financial prudence, cautioning against multiple loans for ventures like bride price.
National Teacher Policy:
The National Teacher Policy, approved in 2019, was discussed, highlighting its three frameworks: Continuous Professional Development, Social Dialogue, and the Teacher Incentive Framework. Teachers were encouraged to regularly upgrade their qualifications and to engage in professional development activities.
Plenary Session:
The plenary session saw youth participants expressing their gratitude for the meeting and the valuable information shared. They thanked the General Secretary for his dedication and answered various questions, including issues related to licensing, legal help with financial institutions, and membership cards, laptop scheme, scheme of service and UNATU SACCO among others.
Conclusion:
The UNATU Regional Youth Meeting in Mbale was a resounding success, empowering young teachers with crucial information and reinforcing their roles within the union and the broader education sector. The event marked a significant step towards fostering leadership and advocacy among youth teachers in Eastern Uganda.
Good development! Keep the ball rolling
Thanks UNATU for strengthening the union through empowering the youth
I real enjoyed the meeting which was full of inspirational message form the GS