Kitgum District | 18th August 2025 — As part of its ongoing national campaign to empower members, the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) held a Membership Education Training for school representatives in Kitgum District. The training focused on raising awareness around union policies, public service updates, and the vital role of information sharing within schools.
The training targeted youth teachers and representatives from the post-primary sub-sector, continuing the same agenda delivered in Kole and other districts across the country. These sessions are part of UNATU’s strategic plan to strengthen its structures at the grassroots by equipping school-based union leaders with the knowledge they need to support colleagues.
The day began with welcome remarks from the Kitgum Branch Chairperson, who outlined the objectives and importance of the training, emphasizing that informed membership is key to a strong and united union.
The District Education Officer (DEO) of Kitgum officially opened the training, commending UNATU for taking proactive steps to ensure that teachers remain updated on both union matters and public service procedures. He encouraged all participants to remain attentive and to pass on the information shared to fellow staff at their schools.
A session on “Understanding UNATU” was facilitated by the Northern Regional Chairperson, who explained the union’s vision, mission, and mandate, as well as the structure of union leadership and its advocacy role in the education sector.
The Ag. Regional Coordinator, provided a comprehensive update on key union matters, including:
Progress on salary enhancement negotiations
The importance of unity among members and rejection of splinter unions, which he said create unnecessary confusion
Ongoing engagements with stakeholders at national level on teacher welfare
The Human Resource Officer from Kitgum District conducted a session on Public Service issues. Key topics included:
The shift from IPPS to the Human Capital Management (HCM) system
Leave provisions and how to apply for them correctly
Retirement and pension processing procedures
Teacher transfers and appointment protocols
A lively plenary session followed, where participants raised questions on salary, pension delays, and other employment-related concerns. The responses provided clarity and assurance, leaving participants well-informed and more confident in addressing issues at school level.
Before closing the training, participants were encouraged to download the UNATU App to stay updated, access key documents, and remain connected to union activities and opportunities.
The training ended with a renewed sense of commitment among school representatives, who pledged to become active ambassadors of information sharing, recognising that gaps in communication continue to hinder effective engagement within schools.
