His Highness the Umukuka, cultural leader of the Bamasaba, has appealed to all striking teachers in the Bugisu region to return to school and resume teaching.
“We encourage teachers to be in school and focus on teaching,” he said, emphasizing that the cultural institution does not support acts of picketing or absenteeism.
Hon. Steven Masiga, spokesperson for the Bamasaba cultural institution, told The Ankole Times that the institution is committed to using cultural dialogue and peaceful methods to engage the government on the issue of salary increments for teachers in Bugisu and beyond.
“As culturalists, we are against violent methods of demanding salary increases. We prefer peaceful engagement. I’m happy to report that after the Umukuka met with some headteachers and teachers recently, many pledged to return to class,” Masiga noted.
He also warned teachers against violating public service standing orders, which criminalize prolonged absenteeism without official permission.
Masiga emphasized that it is the wish of the Umukuka that all teachers and headteachers prioritize learners’ education over salary grievances, especially as schools approach the final exam season for Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE), and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE).
“We are not idle as a cultural institution. We are playing a supplementary role by engaging the government on the welfare of teachers across the Bugisu region,” he said.
According to Masiga, there is already significant compliance, particularly at the secondary school level.
“This morning, I visited a number of schools. I found that most secondary school teachers have returned to work. While there may still be challenges in a few primary schools, overall compliance is high,” he reported.
He added that the Umukuka and the cultural institution are grateful for the efforts of RDCs, RCCs, and education officers in encouraging teachers to return to class as the government addresses their concerns.
“We also urge learners to remain in school and continue with their studies,” Masiga concluded.
