Lira City | 6th November 2025 – The Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) convened a stakeholders’ engagement meeting at Pauline Hotel, Lira City, bringing together education leaders, local government representatives, and strategic partners to discuss emerging issues affecting teachers and to strengthen collaboration for improved service delivery in the education sector.
The meeting was officially opened by the Northern Regional Chairperson, Okidi Francis, who introduced district chairpersons and stakeholders in attendance. He thanked participants for standing with teachers during recent industrial actions, emphasizing that such solidarity is vital in advancing teachers’ rights and welfare. He called on all stakeholders to educate communities on teachers’ challenges so they too can become advocates for a better education system, and commended the ongoing support that has strengthened UNATU’s advocacy efforts.
The General Secretary delivered the keynote presentation, highlighting the workshop’s purpose as a platform for dialogue and strategic collaboration. He addressed key themes including teacher mortality, financial vulnerability, digital literacy challenges, and the need for capacity building. By September 2025, UNATU had lost 292 members—201 males and 91 females—with stress, depression, poor health, and financial strain cited as major contributing factors. Stakeholders were urged to raise awareness on mental health, financial management, and lifestyle choices to better equip teachers for life during and after service.
Financial exploitation of teachers by predatory institutions was another major concern, often linked to low digital literacy. The General Secretary emphasized the need for stronger regulation and targeted capacity-building programs to empower teachers in managing their finances and avoiding fraud.
UNATU also encouraged collaboration in mentoring and supporting new teacher recruits, providing resources to strengthen orientation programs and foster a sense of belonging. While noting challenges from emerging unions seeking to divide teachers, the General Secretary reaffirmed UNATU’s commitment to unity and service delivery.
Digital literacy gaps, teacher indiscipline, stress, and health concerns were highlighted as growing challenges. Stakeholders recommended preventive discipline, regular counseling, family guidance initiatives, and integration of ICT and financial literacy into national curricula. Annual refresher training and induction programs were proposed to enhance professional growth and adaptation to systems such as the Human Capital Management (HCM) platform.
Teacher motivation, fair remuneration, and well-being were also discussed. The General Secretary clarified circulating rumors regarding salary increments, stressing the need for official confirmation, and reiterated UNATU’s advocacy for equitable pay. The importance of health check-ups and psychosocial support was emphasized, particularly for male teachers who often avoid medical attention.
The meeting was officially closed by Ambrose Ogwal, UNATU’s National Representative for Secondary Education, who thanked participants for their engagement and reaffirmed the union’s inclusive approach. He commended the strong partnership between UNATU and its stakeholders and urged continued unity and solidarity in advancing teacher welfare and professional standards.
This engagement reinforced UNATU’s commitment to championing teachers’ welfare, promoting unity, and fostering collaborative partnerships to improve education across Uganda.
