UNATU’s Kaliro branch recently organized a significant Headteachers Performance Management Workshop at Musana Vocational High School. Held on July 20, 2024, the event was facilitated by the District Education Officer (DEO), the District Inspector of Schools (DIS), the District Human Resources (HR) Officer, and the General Secretary of UNATU. Additionally, the Busoga Region Coordinator and the UNATU Branch Executive, led by the Chairperson of Kaliro, were in attendance. The workshop saw a substantial turnout of headteachers from various schools in the region.
The workshop began with a warm welcome from the UNATU Branch Chair of Kaliro, who expressed gratitude to the headteachers for attending the training. He also acknowledged the General Secretary’s presence, emphasizing the importance of their support for Kaliro. He extended thanks to the DEO and HR Officer for their participation. The Chair highlighted UNATU’s vision and mission, recognizing the promotions and successes within the district.
The DEO shared insights into the significance of unions for teachers, drawing from personal experience as a former union member. He stressed the need for greater engagement with the secondary sub-sector and the teachers of Kaliro. The DEO also discussed the performance cycle, emphasizing the importance of setting targets and providing feedback to teachers during appraisals. Effective communication was underscored as a critical component of this process.
The HR Officer of Kaliro addressed policy issues, explaining the transition from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll System (IPPS) to the Human Capital Management (HCM) system. He discussed the ongoing validation process for teachers, noting that while some had been temporarily removed, most had been reinstated. The HR Officer encouraged headteachers to prepare teachers approaching retirement and mentioned the re-legalization of teachers into service. He also introduced the new balance scorecard system and elaborated on performance appraisals, urging headteachers to ensure proper filling of appraisal forms and to create retirement plans for their teachers.
The District Inspector of Schools expressed gratitude to UNATU for organizing the performance management training. He highlighted the dual role of UNATU in advocating for teachers’ welfare and providing training. The Inspector discussed the competence profile for heads of institutions and the importance of following the school improvement plan. He emphasized the need for SMART goals, proper record-keeping, and asset management. Additionally, he addressed HIV mitigation and the significance of understanding job roles.
Baguma Filbert Bates, the General Secretary of UNATU, provided updates on union activities. He underscored UNATU’s commitment to promoting education through performance management training. Bates addressed the issue of non-induction into various positions and encouraged headteachers to utilize the professional code of conduct. He urged headteachers to stay informed, be sources of information, and embrace the role of 21st-century educators. The GS also touched on mental health issues within the teaching profession, caused by multiple loans, and suggested UNATU SACCO as an alternative to fraudulent institutions. He highlighted the salary discrepancies leading to early retirements and discussed the National Teacher Policy and the Rewards and Sanctions Committee.
A comprehensive manual was distributed to all participants to aid in the implementation of the discussed strategies. This workshop is part of a nationwide initiative by UNATU, involving district chairpersons, regional chairpersons, and coordinators to enhance the capacities of headteachers, deputy headteachers, and various supervisors within the school framework.
Congratulations kaliro BEC.