19th May, 2025
Kampala, Uganda
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The Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) convened its Branch Chairpersons’ Meeting on 19th May 2025, marked by urgent calls for renewed commitment, accountability, and a forward-thinking mindset among union leaders.
Addressing the gathering, the National Chairperson Mr. Tumuhimbise Zadock emphasized the need for leadership transformation, urging leaders to embrace a mindset shift as a foundation for transformational leadership.
While appreciating their tireless efforts, he paid tribute to the 179 members lost since January. In a call for renewed commitment, connection, and accountability, he emphasized that, “Once your mindset changes, everything on the outside will change along with it.”
Mr. Tumuhimbise challenged leaders to abandon the mindset of doing things “as they’ve always been done” and instead adopt forward-thinking strategies that safeguard the Union’s credibility and strength. “Our new attitude should be: what is best for UNATU?” he stated, warning against internal sabotage and encouraging loyalty: “When there is no enemy within, enemies outside cannot hurt you.”
Presenting the Management Report, the General Secretary, Mr. Baguma Filbert Bates, provided a comprehensive update on union operations. He highlighted efforts across several regions to boost membership through stakeholder engagement and youth-focused drives.
On union services, updates included the rollout of a new membership database prototype, ongoing subscription recovery efforts, and progress on the UNATU laptop scheme.
He also echoed that World Teachers’ Day 2025 is expected to be celebrated on Sunday, 5th October.
The meeting also addressed critical matters such as funding, accountability, responses to internal audits, and the distribution of corporate wear at regional and Branch level. Also notably, 20 top-performing branches were recognized for excellence in recruitment and revenue collection.
The General Secretary emphasized transparency, timely communication, and professional conduct as core values. He reminded leaders to keep members informed, stating, “Every union leader must relay official communication; silence breeds misinformation.”
As UNATU prepares to draft a new strategic plan beyond 2025, members were encouraged to submit ideas through their regional offices. The session concluded with a call to embrace digital tools such as the UNATU Connect Newsletter and the UNATU App, which are key to keeping members informed and engaged.
Are we safe Mr GS
Progress of the laptops.
What does this mean?
How can a member a laptop and at what cost?
We are currently on the market looking for an affordable but durable laptop for our members. We shall keep updating you