Teachers in Uganda especially those from Namutumba District are requesting government scholarships to help them earn their Bachelor’s degrees, a qualification that will soon be mandatory for all teachers in the country. This appeal comes as educators struggle to meet the requirements of a 2019 policy that aims to raise the bar for teacher qualifications by 2030.
While teachers broadly support the policy’s goal of having well qualified educators at all levels, they point to financial constraints as a major roadblock. The policy, introduced in 2019, mandates that all teachers, from nursery school to primary school, hold a Bachelor’s degree.
To allow time for adjustment, teachers were given a ten year grace period to acquire the necessary qualifications. However, the deadline is fast approaching, and many teachers are finding it difficult to shoulder the financial burden of university tuition.
Teachers in Uganda argue that their current salaries and existing financial obligations make it extremely challenging to afford university fees. Mr. Wilber Isiko, a teacher, highlighted that many educators are already grappling with loans and struggle to support their families on their current income.
This sentiment was echoed by Ms. Robina Namugema, who pointed out that while the policy aims to elevate the teaching profession, it fails to address the lack of uniform salaries across different teaching levels.
They propose that if scholarships are not feasible, the government should consider enrolling them in government-aided universities with more affordable tuition fees, as private universities are prohibitively expensive. Ms. Logose Nangobi emphasised the difficulties faced by older teachers, particularly those nearing retirement, who are hesitant to pursue degrees due to family commitments and the cost of educating their own children.
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Ms. Aisha Watongola, Chairperson of the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) Jinja Branch, underscored the importance of higher qualifications for enhancing the teaching profession. She appealed to the government to recognise teachers’ dedication and acknowledge their financial constraints by offering scholarships to support their professional development.
This financial support, teachers argue, is crucial to ensuring that qualified and dedicated educators remain in the profession and contribute to the country’s future.
