Fort Portal, Western Region, 21st August 2024 – The Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) hosted an impactful meeting that brought together 132 youth teachers from all districts of the Western Region. The gathering aimed to empower and engage the future teacher leaders.
In attendance was the General Secretary, the Western Regional Chairperson, the National Representative for Teacher Education, the Regional Vice Chairperson, the Regional Secretary for Women Affairs, the Regional Coordinator, and the Simameni Project Officer for the Western Region.
Welcome Remarks: A Call to Embrace the Future
The event was inaugurated with warm welcome remarks from the Host Branch Chair of Fort Portal, who expressed deep appreciation for the assembly. He emphasized the crucial importance of involving youth in the union, stating, “If we put the youth aside, it’s a thorn in the flesh.” Recognizing the youth as the future of the union, he urged them to take full advantage of the learning opportunities provided by the meeting.
Communication from the Western Regional Chairperson
Western Regional Chairperson, Mugenyi David, reinforced the vital role that youth play in the future of the union. “Without you, the union will not be there,” he remarked, expressing his pleasure at seeing such engagement. He encouraged the participants to be hungry for knowledge, to network, and to appreciate and love their profession as teachers. He also emphasized the importance of leadership, urging the youth to step up and seize the opportunities available to them. Mugenyi also recognized the Secondary School Teachers in attendance and welcomed them warmly.
Training Purpose and Context
Nuwagaba Silver, the Regional Coordinator, set the context for the meeting by welcoming the youth and expressing gratitude for their feedback. He clarified that the abbreviation for the union is UNATU, not UNATO, and encouraged the youth to continue supporting their respective branches, municipalities, and cities. The primary goal of the meeting, he explained, was to bring youth on board, equipping them with the knowledge necessary to lead and share information with their peers. He challenged the attendees to think about how the union can better connect with its members and invited them to propose ideas.
Presentation from the General Secretary
The General Secretary of UNATU, Baguma Filbert Bates, shared an inspiring account of his journey to becoming a teacher leader within just four years of service. He encouraged the youth to be clear about their goals and to actively pursue leadership opportunities, regardless of their current status or qualifications. “Think globally, act locally,” he advised, urging teachers to embrace the evolving role of facilitators of learning in the 21st century.
Understanding the Legality of UNATU
A session on the legality of UNATU highlighted the constitutional rights of teachers, emphasizing the need for them to understand and uphold these rights. The General Secretary explained, “Rights are inherent and universal in nature and should be respected.” He urged the participants to familiarize themselves with the Constitution of Uganda, particularly Chapter 4 on rights, and to be aware of their right to join unions and engage in collective bargaining.
Unionism and the Role of Youth
The discussion also delved into the essence of unionism, with the General Secretary stressing that UNATU is a labor union, not just a professional body. He called for unity among teachers, urging them to avoid divisions based on job descriptions and to embrace a collective approach to addressing challenges. The youth were encouraged to be proactive in seeking information and advocating for their rights and the rights of their colleagues.
Addressing Key Issues: Multiple Borrowing
The General Secretary addressed concerns related to financial management, particularly cautioning against multiple borrowing and encouraging prudent financial planning.
Retirement and Leave
During the meeting, the General Secretary provided essential guidance on the topics of retirement and leave, two critical aspects of a teacher’s career. He addressed the concerns surrounding early retirement, particularly highlighting the emotional challenges and salary discrepancies that often drive teachers to seek early exit from the profession. The General Secretary outlined the various retirement options available, such as retirement on medical grounds, after 10 (must be 45 years of age) or 20 years of service, on marriage grounds and death. He advised teachers that the optimal time to apply for retirement is between July and September, ensuring they meet the necessary conditions and are fully informed before making such decisions.
In addition to retirement, the General Secretary also clarified the leave policies applicable to teachers, including maternity leave (60 working days for normal delivery), paternity leave (7 working days), sabbatical leave (available after 10 years of service), and study leave. He noted the challenges currently associated with paid study leave but reassured the participants that these issues are being addressed. The session also covered compassionate leave, which is available for teachers caring for sick family members
Interactive Sessions and Plenary
The meeting included interactive sessions where the youth raised various concerns, including issues related to caretaking headteachers, the UNATU laptop scheme, and the desire for more youth engagement at the regional level. The General Secretary responded comprehensively to these issues, providing updates and encouraging further dialogue.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The event concluded with a plenary session where the youth expressed their appreciation for the knowledge shared and the opportunity to engage with leadership. The General Secretary’s closing words, “Keep hope alive and be resilient,” resonated with the participants, who left the meeting inspired and ready to take on greater responsibilities within the union. He closed with “thank you for coming, go and spread the gospel”
As the youth teachers of the Western Region continue to grow in their roles, this meeting has undoubtedly set the stage for a more empowered, informed, and united force within UNATU. The future of education in the region looks bright, with these young leaders at the helm.
