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Uganda Supports UNESCO's Call to Consider Teachers' Voices in Education Policy
On 19 October 2024, Uganda celebrated World Teachers' Day with an event presided over by H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of Uganda, at Lugogo Cricket Oval in Kampala. The event spotlighted the essential role of teachers in shaping the future of education and underscored the importance of including their perspectives in decision-making, particularly in policy reforms.
The 2024 celebration took place under the theme “Valuing Teachers’ Voices Towards a New Social Contract for Education.” Teachers, government officials, development partners, academia, civil society organizations, and students gathered to mark the day.
In his address, President Museveni affirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing teachers’ working conditions and emphasized the need for recruiting more teachers to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio and improve education outcomes.
Our objective is clear: the economy is expanding, and inflation remains low. We aim to fairly compensate all public servants while also increasing their numbers.
Chief of Education at UNESCO’s Regional Office for Eastern Africa, M. Lamine Sow, has delivered a joint statement from UNESCO, ILO, UNICEF, and Education International. The statement highlighted the necessity of resilient and equitable education systems that serve the public good and empower communities.
Acknowledging and respecting teachers as professionals is crucial to elevating their social standing and enhancing education quality globally, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4.
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs. Janet Museveni, addressed concerns about rising teacher absenteeism despite the government’s efforts to support the teaching profession.
As Government, we shall do our part by putting in place necessary policies and frameworks to guide and strengthen our education sector.”
Evans Kaganizo Mutesasira, President General of the Uganda Liberal Teachers' Union, spoke on behalf of teachers, calling for salary harmonization, opportunities for professional development, and improvements in school infrastructure, including staff housing. Teachers also urged the government to implement a professional scheme of service, ensuring promotion and fair compensation for qualified educators, and to expand curriculum reforms to all education levels, starting with primary education.
The objectives of Uganda’s World Teachers' Day 2024 celebration focused on elevating the teaching profession and reinforcing educators’ pivotal role in shaping the country’s future. The celebration aimed to; recognize and appreciate teachers’ invaluable contributions to education and society: advocate for teachers’ rights, status, and professional autonomy, and inspire educators to continue their positive societal impact through active advocacy and constructive social dialogue.
