18th July 2025 | Bishop Willis Teacher Training Institute, Iganga
Week One of the Teaching Together Program officially came to a close at Bishop Willis Teacher Training Institute in Iganga, Busoga Region, on 18th July 2025. The week-long Continuous Professional Development (CPD) training, jointly organized by the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF), brought together 50 participants from Iganga and Bugiri for a hands-on, transformative learning experience.
The closing session kicked off with group demonstrations, where participants showcased mock classroom activities incorporating the week’s key themes—instructional strategies, classroom management, learning styles, and leadership in education. These presentations reflected a growing confidence among the educators in applying new skills and methodologies.
Gender and SRGBV: Shifting Mindsets for Safer Classrooms
There was also a Gender and School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV) session facilitated by the UNATU Gender Officer. This highly interactive session unpacked concepts such as the difference between sex and gender, gender socialization, and the evolving role of 21st-century teachers in promoting safe and inclusive learning environments.
Participants explored real-life SRGBV scenarios and were encouraged to become advocates for student rights—both boys and girls. Terms like gender equity, equality, gender-blindness, stereotypes, and responsiveness were thoroughly discussed. Many participants acknowledged existing gaps in gender training and strongly called for continued sensitization on these critical issues.
Unionization and Teacher Rights: A Powerful Session with the GS
UNATU General Secretary, Baguma Filbert Bates, delivered a powerful and detailed session on unionism and teachers’ rights, anchored in national laws and policies. Drawing from the Education Act, Public Service Standing Orders, and the Uganda Constitution, Mr. Baguma emphasized the importance of teachers knowing their rights and responsibilities.
“Unless we get interested in what surrounds us, we cannot defend ourselves,” he said, urging participants to read and keep personal copies of key policy documents like the Teachers’ Professional Code of Conduct. He reminded teachers to frequently consult the UNATU website and be informed facilitators of change.
He discussed leave entitlements such as:
- Maternity leave – 60 working days
- Paternity leave – 7 days
- Sick leave – on recommendation of a qualified medical practitioner
- Retirement options – including on marriage grounds (after 5 years of service, applicable to female educators only), medical grounds, and standard pensionable timelines (10 years of service for those aged 45 and above, 20 years of service with no age limit, 60 years mandatory)
He cautioned teachers not to leave their duty stations without written permission and emphasized the importance of having properly signed appointment letters.
On unionism, Mr. Baguma invoked constitutional provisions around equal pay, reasonable rest, and the right to organize. He reminded teachers of their right to representation and—when necessary—withdrawal of labor in a lawful manner.
Tackling Broader Challenges and Celebrating Unity
Speaking on ongoing advocacy efforts, the General Secretary highlighted that UNATU has been engaging key government bodies—such as the Equal Opportunities Commission and Parliamentary Committee on Education—since 2022, with a focus on salary enhancement in the upcoming 2026–2027 budget cycle.
He strongly cautioned teachers against being misled by splinter groups, affirming that “Teachers’ conditions are learners’ conditions” and unity remains the strongest asset in the fight for teacher welfare. “UNATU remains committed to advocating for improved conditions, but remember, it is the employer—not the union—who is responsible for salary increments,” he reminded them.
Reflections from CTF
CTF Team Leader Melissa expressed heartfelt appreciation for the participants, trainers, and hosts. “Teachers are at the heart of every program,” she said. “We hope you take what you’ve learned this week and bring it to life in your classrooms. Practice the techniques, share them, and become change-makers.”
She thanked Bishop Willis TTI and UNATU for creating a nurturing and impactful learning environment for the week.
Celebrating Achievement
The ceremony concluded with the award of certificates to all Week One participants, marking their successful completion of a rigorous and enriching CPD program. Spirits were high as teachers pledged to return to their schools as better informed, more empowered, and more united professionals ready to make a difference.
