Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) reported that 1,278 teachers in Uganda have passed away between 2021 and 2023. This concerning statistic, revealed during a recent UNATU delegate conference in Kampala, points to various causes, including stress from unmet demands and poor working conditions.
During the conference, UNATU Chairperson Zadock Tumuhimbise emphasized the need to address the factors leading to these deaths, highlighting the growing gap in the teaching profession. The union is calling for urgent attention to prevent a potential teacher shortage crisis by 2025.
Between January and November of this year alone, 356 teachers have died, with 272 being males, according to UNATU records. Many attribute this alarming rate to teachers’ frustration stemming from poor living standards and inadequate income.
Delegates at the conference expressed concerns about the consequences of these losses, with the UNATU branch chairperson of Katakwi, Santus Okot, warning that the government seems unaware of the impending teacher shortage.
The frustration among teachers has led to reckless behavior, with some resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms. In 2021, 490 teachers died, including 126 women, while in 2022, about 432 teachers passed away, including 104 women.
Illustrating the severity of the situation, last month, community members in Terego district arrested a teacher from Ejome Primary School for drinking alcohol during class hours. The incident highlighted the impact of frustration on educators, affecting both their personal and professional lives.
