Mbale, Uganda: The Umukuka of Bugisu, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma III, has appealed to striking teachers in the region to return to classrooms, urging them to prioritize learners as the government addresses their salary concerns.
Speaking to DailyExpress, Hon. Steven Masiga, spokesperson of the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution, said the Umukuka and cultural leaders are discouraging acts of picketing and instead prefer peaceful engagement with government.
“As culturalists, we are against violent means of pushing for salary increments. We are using cultural approaches to dialogue with government on teachers’ welfare so that they are not engaged in acts of picketing,” Masiga said.
He revealed that during a recent meeting with headteachers and teachers, the Umukuka pleaded with them to resume teaching, and many pledged compliance. Masiga cautioned that prolonged absenteeism could expose teachers to disciplinary action under the Public Service Standing Orders.
“The wish of our cultural leader is that all teachers and headteachers prioritize learning over salary disputes, especially now that we are approaching terminal examinations for Primary, O’Level, and UACE candidates,” he added.
Masiga noted that most schools in Bugisu have already resumed normal teaching activities. “I sampled some schools this morning and established that compliance is high, especially in secondary schools. The challenge may only remain in a few primary schools,” he explained.
He further commended Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Resident City Commissioners (RCCs), and education officers for their efforts in persuading teachers to return to classrooms as the government works on addressing their grievances.
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