On July 16, 2024, Soroti City became a hub of youthful energy and educational advocacy as the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) hosted a vibrant youth workshop for the Teso Region. Bringing together youth teachers from all districts within the region, the workshop aimed to empower young educators, equip them with critical information, and reinforce their role within the union and the broader education sector.
Key attendees included the UNATU Regional Chairperson for Teso, the National Vice Chairperson, the General Secretary, the Regional Coordinator for Teso, the Branch Chairpersons from all Teso districts, the Gender Officer, and the Project Officer for Simameni Teso.
The workshop opened with a heartfelt welcome to the youth teachers, underscoring their vital role in the union’s future. “Without you, Uganda will not have a future,” one speaker emphasized, setting a tone of responsibility and optimism.
Youth and Union Solidarity: The importance of solidarity among youth teachers was a recurring theme. Participants were encouraged to network and foster stronger bonds to promote union values and initiatives. “Embrace the spirit of solidarity which makes us strong as sung in the union song,” the attendees were urged. The notion of being ambassadors for other youth was highlighted, with a call to “go and be an ambassador to other youth.”
Leadership and Information: The workshop emphasized the need for youth to seize leadership opportunities. “The little things done as an individual make the successes and failures as UNATU,” noted the General Secretary, urging participants to stay informed and actively seek out information about UNATU’s activities and policies. A question posed to the group, “Who is UNATU?” was succinctly answered by a youth member: “The membership is UNATU.” This exchange highlighted the collective identity and responsibility of union members.
Teacher Rights and Welfare: Discussions included an in-depth exploration of teachers’ rights under the Ugandan Constitution, particularly Chapter 4, and Article 40. Key rights such as maternity and paternity leave, and sick leave were explained in detail. Teachers were advised to adhere to public service standing orders and be aware of the legal processes involved in taking leave. “Read the Public Service Standing Orders to be abreast with the law governing teachers,” participants were encouraged.
Retirement Plan: Although aimed at youth, the workshop covered the importance of early retirement planning. Various retirement scenarios were outlined, including mandatory retirement at 60, early retirement on medical grounds, and retirement based on years of service. Teachers were guided on the formal processes for applying for retirement. “Though you are youth, think of retirement now,” was a key takeaway.
Financial Literacy: Participants were cautioned against multiple borrowing and signing loan contracts without thorough understanding. The benefits of using the UNATU SACCO, which offers a 15% per annum interest rate, were highlighted as a prudent financial choice. “Avoid loans which are not money generating,” the youth were advised. Information on how to join and benefit from the UNATU SACCO was provided.
National Teacher Policy: The National Teacher Policy (NTP), approved on April 1, 2019, was discussed, emphasizing its frameworks for continuous professional development, teacher incentives, and social dialogue. Teachers were encouraged to upgrade their qualifications in line with the NTP guidelines. “The best teachers are those with qualifications at the foundation levels,” the participants were reminded.
Union Advocacy: The workshop clarified UNATU’s role in advocating for teachers’ rights rather than directly enhancing salaries. “UNATU’s work is advocacy, not treasury,” it was explained. The importance of collective advocacy and solidarity was reiterated, with teachers urged to support each other in times of need. “When UNATU delivers issues to the employer and they fail to fulfill, you can’t say UNATU has failed because its role is advocacy,” the General Secretary stated.
Plenary Session: During the plenary session, participants expressed gratitude for the information shared, acknowledging the effort to bridge the information gap within the union. Issues such as salary delays and discrimination in the secondary sub-sector were raised, with commitments to address these challenges through solidarity and vigilance. One youth shared a testimony of solidarity where colleagues stood together for those who hadn’t received their salary. “Stand together in solidarity to help those with issues,” the GS called on the teachers.
Additional Topics: The process for obtaining membership IDs, the availability of scholarships (currently for female teachers), and the handling of over deductions due to the IPPS to HCM transition were also discussed. Participants were referred to the UNATU website for updates on salary enhancements and other union matters.
Closing Remarks: The workshop concluded with the National Vice Chairperson’s closing remarks, emphasizing the empowerment gained from the workshop. “I would like to call this a golden opportunity,” she remarked, thanking the General Secretary and the regional team for their efforts. She highlighted the importance of staying informed and using union structures to access information. “You may have been isolated, but you have never been isolated,” she reassured the youth, emphasizing that UNATU is a legal unit dedicated to assisting teachers with profession-driven issues. “Reflect on the workshop and be ambassadors of the union,” she urged, reinforcing the union’s strength in numbers and the critical role of youth in its future.
The UNATU Teso Region Youth Workshop was a resounding success, empowering young educators with knowledge, fostering a sense of solidarity, and reinforcing their role in the future of Uganda’s education sector. “Information empowers you to be the person you need to be,” the General Secretary concluded, encapsulating the spirit and purpose of the event.
A decent work is seen here. Many thanks to the proprietors and participants of this noble cause.
This was very great. For me as a person, I really appreciate the organizing committee for the significant session on youth Empowerment and Advocacy.
Good work done for the next generation being informed.