UNATU empowers teachers, HR chiefs in Eastern region stakeholder engagement

Mbale City (UG):- In a series of strategic meetings, the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) has taken significant strides to empower youth teachers and strengthen its collaboration with district Human Resource Officers (HROs) across the Eastern region.

The first event, a Regional Youth Meeting held at the Elgon Palace Hotel on July 18, 2024, brought together 155 young educators from the Eastern region. UNATU’s leadership, including the General Secretary, Mr Baguma Filbert Bates, the National Secretary for Education Professional Standards and Discipline, and regional representatives, convened to bridge the information gap among the youth and foster their leadership and advocacy within the union.

The meeting covered a wide range of topics, from upholding professional standards and ethics to understanding UNATU’s mandate of protection and promotion of teachers’ rights and interests. Participants were empowered with knowledge on matters such as retirement, leave, financial literacy, and the National Teacher Policy.

“The youth are the future of our union and the education sector,” said Mr Barasa Samuel, the UNATU Regional Chairperson, adding; “This meeting was crucial in ensuring our young teachers are equipped with the necessary information and skills to become leaders and advocates for their profession.”

Building on this momentum, UNATU convened a vital stakeholders meeting the following day, July 19, 2024, which brought together district HROs from across the Eastern region. This engagement aimed to strengthen strategic partnerships and address pressing challenges faced by teachers.

Mr. Barasa further emphasized the significant role HR officers play in assisting teachers, particularly with financial issues, and expressed optimism that the meeting would lead to even better cooperation between UNATU and the HR departments.

The General Secretary, Mr. Baguma Filbert Bates, highlighted the necessity of the stakeholder engagement, acknowledging the crucial role HRs play as stakeholders in union development. He addressed the pressing issues teachers face, such as the burden of multiple loans, and urged HRs to devise effective solutions.

“We recognize the authority and respect HRs hold, which positions them to assist teachers in overcoming challenges like alcoholism and financial difficulties,” said the General Secretary. “Together, we can integrate financial literacy training into the education system and establish counselling services to support our teachers.”

The HR officers present pledged to work closely with UNATU to address the issues raised, including the problematic nature of certain microfinance institutions and the need for better sensitization about the transition from IPPS to HCM. They also emphasized the importance of financial literacy and called for regular sensitization meetings to support teachers.

These strategic meetings organized by UNATU have not only empowered the youth teachers but also fostered stronger partnerships with the district HR officers, setting the stage for a more collaborative and effective approach to addressing the challenges faced by the teaching profession in Eastern Uganda.