President Museveni has instructed the government to raise the salaries of science program lecturers teaching in public universities. The decision came in response to concerns raised by Prof. Eli Katunguka, the Vice Chancellor of Kyambogo University, about the challenges faced in recruiting and retaining senior lecturers in science disciplines due to more competitive compensation offered by private sector organizations.
During the 20-year anniversary celebration of the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), President Museveni emphasized the urgency of paying scientists and academicians in a manner that matches the private sector. The event was attended by the Education minister and the First Lady, Ms. Janet Museveni.
President Museveni shared an example of Soroti Flying School, which faced potential closure due to tutors leaving because of low pay. He intervened and increased their pay to rectify the issue.
Prof. Katunguka, also the NCHE chairperson, explained that although the government had increased scientists’ salaries, it still did not match what the private sector offers. Shortages were primarily seen in engineering, architecture, and certain science programs, making it difficult to attract applicants for senior lecturer, associate professor, and professor positions.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, also noted similar challenges in retaining faculty due to more attractive salaries in the private sector.
Prof. Katunguka expressed his intention to benchmark private sector compensation and propose adjustments to the government. While he mentioned senior lecturers receiving approximately Shs8 million, sources in the market suggested that senior engineers earned over Shs12 million.
Achievements of NCHE:
- Prof. Mary Okwakol, the executive director of NCHE, highlighted the accomplishments of the organization over the past two decades.
- Access to higher education and enrollment of students in tertiary institutions increased significantly.
- In 2003, there were four public universities, seven private institutions, and around 50 other tertiary institutions. This number has grown to 265 institutions of higher learning.
- The number of students in these institutions increased from 80,000 to 270,000.
- The Council has accredited a growing number of programs, increasing from 500 to 5,000 since 2003. Of these, 37 percent are science programs, and 63 percent cater to the arts.
- Prof. Okwakol expressed concern about the low level of research output from universities and the number of annual PhDs produced. She urged the government to allocate more funds for research.
Education Minister’s Call for Quality:
- Education minister and First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni emphasized the need for NCHE to ensure the provision of quality education in higher institutions, particularly in science and technology programs, without compromising quality at any cost.
