Mbale City, July 19, 2024 — The Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) convened a vital stakeholders meeting at the Elgon Palace Hotel in Mbale City. The event brought together district Human Resource Officers (HROs) from all districts of the Eastern region, alongside prominent UNATU leaders. Among the attendees were branch chairpersons from the 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.
Strengthening Strategic Partnerships: Mr. Barasa Samuel, the Eastern Regional Chairperson, commenced the meeting by thanking the HROs for their participation and their continuous support of UNATU. He emphasized the significant role HR officers play in assisting teachers, particularly with financial issues, and expressed optimism that the engagement would lead to even better cooperation. He reiterated UNATU’s position as the leading teacher union, aiming to improve further through such strategic partnerships.
Acknowledging HR Support and Collaboration: Mr. Chelimo, the National Secretary for Education Professional Standards and Discipline, underscored the importance of a robust relationship between HRs and UNATU. He shared a personal story of how his HR officer supported him when his code dropped, illustrating the critical support HRs provide to teachers. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity for union chairpersons to engage directly with their HR counterparts, fostering a spirit of collaboration.
Addressing Teacher Challenges and Proposing Solutions: Mr. Baguma Filbert Bates, UNATU’s General Secretary, highlighted the necessity of the stakeholder engagement, acknowledging the crucial role HRs play as stakeholders in union development. He addressed the pressing issues teachers face, such as the burden of multiple loans, and urged HRs to devise effective solutions. The GS emphasized the authority and respect HRs hold, which positions them to assist teachers in overcoming challenges like alcoholism also. He proposed the establishment of counseling services for teachers, noting that service delivery cannot be efficient if teachers are heavily indebted. The GS also called for the integration of financial literacy training into the education system.
Enhancing Communication and Support Systems: The General Secretary discussed the Sanctions and Rewards Committee, which falls under the HR docket. He pointed out issues such as the lack of induction and strained relationships between headteachers and teachers. GS also stressed the importance of a fair hearing and balanced approach in the committee, which often focuses more on sanctions than rewards. He also highlighted the prolonged tenure of teachers in caretaking positions and the need for better recruitment processes.
The General Secretary urged the chairpersons to invite technical experts to meetings like World Teachers’ Day to add value for members. He also touched on mental health issues arising from salary discrepancies, recommending a joint effort with UNATU to address these concerns. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of updated membership information to support members effectively, which often affects especially the bereaved.
HR Officers’ Feedback and Commitments: In response, the HR officers pledged to work closely with UNATU to address the issues raised. They highlighted the problematic nature of certain microfinance institutions like Sanlam, which worsen teachers’ financial difficulties. The HRs acknowledged the challenges posed by the transition from IPPS to HCM and the need for better sensitization about not sharing HCM passwords.
The HR officers also emphasized the importance of financial literacy and called for regular sensitization meetings. They stressed the need for teachers to save with the Teachers SACCO rather than other financial institutions and recommended utilizing induction meetings to provide information on pensions, loans, and transfers and other HR issues.
It has been really an educative meeting and I am sure it is going to yield much.