Hundreds of teachers from primary and secondary schools in Katakwi District gathered yesterday to celebrate their day at Palam Sub-County.
Under the theme “The Teachers We Need for the Education We Want: The Global Imperative to Reverse the Teacher Shortage,” the national celebration took place at Kololo Ceremonial Ground, where President Yoweri Museveni presided over the event.
According to Mary Jacenta Ikima, the former chairperson of UNATU Katakwi and a current member of the Africa Women Networks in Education Advisory Board, teachers should always move with hope to achieve future plans.
Mr. Baguma Filbert Bates, the National General Secretary for UNATU, stated that the alarming global teacher shortage is threatening the right to education worldwide. Baguma added that the world currently needs 69 million more teachers to achieve universal primary and secondary education, with sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia being the regions most affected by the worldwide shortage.
Hon. Peter Ogwang, the State Minister for Education and Sports, was represented by the District Chairperson for NRM, Mr. Richard Edeket, as the chief guest.
The Minister’s speech emphasized that teachers everywhere should be well-trained, supported, and remunerated as the only way to address the shortage and build a strong education workforce. He pledged a two-million contribution towards supporting teachers’ activities and promised full support for their SACCO.
Ogwang also stated that the government is committed to working with teachers across the country, despite a few challenges that are soon going to be resolved.
Meanwhile, Bishop Kosea Odongo of the Church of Uganda urged politicians in Teso to be role models and show unity to the citizens.
He made these remarks on Thursday, October 5th, 2023, while presiding over the prayers held at Acanga Church of Uganda in Ngariam Sub-County, where over one thousand Christians had gathered to receive the word of God.
He also stressed that the best way to follow Christianity is to remain loyal to one church instead of moving from one to another.
The Bishop appealed to well-wishers to support the church in constructing a house of God that is expected to accommodate over 2,000 Christians once completed.
Peter Ogwang, the State Minister for Education and Sports and also the MP for Ngariam County, donated 2 million to 127 confirmed and baptized children and five newlywed couples. Ogwang also contributed 150 iron sheets and 50 bags of cement towards the construction of the church.
Documented by Benjamin Epeduno
