“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
The Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) began 2025 with its annual planning meeting, which took place from January 10th to 12th at Teachers’ House. This strategic gathering brought together regional chairpersons, led by the National Chairperson, Tumuhimbise Zadock, and the Vice National Chairperson, alongside the secretariat and regional staff, headed by General Secretary Baguma Filbert Bates. The three-day meeting aimed to evaluate the union’s past performance and set a clear path forward for the year and beyond.
Background and Rationale
UNATU’s annual planning meeting is a cornerstone event that reflects the union’s commitment to driving impactful change in teachers’ welfare and the education sector. By reviewing the successes and challenges of the previous year, the union ensures alignment across all levels of its operations and fosters a collective sense of ownership and responsibility. This year’s meeting emphasized a participatory approach to addressing emerging issues, capitalizing on opportunities, and developing a cohesive strategy for the future. With regional chairpersons and staff in attendance, the event demonstrated UNATU’s dedication to a bottom-up approach, ensuring that the voices of all members were represented.
Purpose and Objectives
The 2025 planning meeting focused on crafting a comprehensive workplan that aligns with UNATU’s strategic goals while strengthening staff capacity in psychosocial support and mental health. Participants analyzed the successes and shortcomings of the 2024 workplan to identify lessons learned and ongoing areas for improvement. The meeting also sought to foster innovative strategies to enhance the union’s effectiveness.
Key Highlights from the Meeting
Welcome Remarks
National Chairperson Tumuhimbise Zadock set the tone with a warm welcome to participants, wishing them a prosperous new year. He emphasized the importance of planning in driving the union’s growth and urged unity between staff and leaders to achieve common goals. He asserted that “the union must take center stage in this planning session,” reinforcing the significance of collaborative efforts.
Regional and National Perspectives
Nalunga Betty, Regional Coordinator for the South Western Region, and Deputy General Secretary Duluga Buni Phillip provided detailed insights into the key issues affecting various regions. These discussions highlighted the need for tailored strategies to address unique regional challenges while maintaining a unified national vision.
Recruitment and Retention
General Secretary Baguma Filbert Bates led a session on the roles of staff and political leaders in member recruitment and retention. He opened with the profound quote, “Life is not a problem to solve but a reality to be experienced,” and urged participants to approach challenges with resilience and creativity. He emphasized the importance of sensitization and mobilization to build appreciation for the union’s mission.
He reminded attendees that “failures are merely setbacks,” encouraging them to benchmark past goals, evaluate progress, and embrace solutions-oriented thinking. The General Secretary’s message was clear: focus on the future while letting go of past disappointments.
Strategic Discussions and Workshops
Participants engaged in interactive sessions to analyze performance, address challenges, and design innovative strategies. The discussions centered around the union’s thematic areas, which include creating a cohesive, credible, and strong union; ensuring quality education; and enhancing the socio-economic development of teachers.
Plenary sessions provided a platform for open dialogue, fostering consensus on key decisions, and finalizing the workplan.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 planning meeting highlighted UNATU’s unwavering commitment to strengthening its impact on teachers’ welfare and the education sector. With a comprehensive workplan and renewed energy, the union is set to achieve its strategic objectives, not only for 2025 but also for the years ahead.
When do we expect planning meetings at the Regions for Branches
Soon please contact your Branch Chair
The government has still kept a deaf ear to the salary bargaining agreement and according to the draft budget 2025/2026, they didn’t consider us,we subscribe monthly to the union but all in vain, what was your take on this? You people, you are self seekers, what impunity! “Leadership is not about being the best but making everyone better.” I beg to submit
I kindly beg u 2 be serious with the stratergy of salary enhancement. Otherwise planning differs. As long as we have money there is no need of teaching us how to develop .let us have a diagnostic approach 2 achieve salary enhancement. Thank u for all Mr cp and our secretary. Our solidarity should prevail
When are we striking 4 salary increment?