KISORO UGANDA: The Parliamentary Committee on Education and Sports has started reviewing salary disparities among teachers, with a proposal to consider school inspectors in charge of sports who studied science-related sports education as science teachers.
The development was revealed on Monday by the Kisoro Municipality Member of Parliament and member of the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Sports, Hon. Sam Byibesho, as Uganda joined the rest of the world to commemorate World Teachers’ Day.
This year’s celebrations are being held under the theme “Celebrating Teachers, Creating Lasting Value.”Byibesho said the government had pledged to enhance teachers’ salaries in phases.
He added that during a recent committee meeting, legislators reviewed the status of school inspectors in charge of sports in districts and cities.
According to Byibesho, inspectors who studied science and sports education should be considered for the same salary scale as science teachers, particularly because some are currently serving in these positions on lower salaries.
He said the review is part of government efforts to address salary disparities and ensure that teachers benefit from improved remuneration.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Kisoro District Secondary School Head Teachers Association, Gatangaza Shafati, called for greater respect for teachers, saying they play a vital role in shaping citizens from childhood to adulthood.
Gatangaza, who is also the Head Teacher of Nyakinama Seed Secondary School, urged the government to officially gazette World Teachers’ Day as a public holiday in Uganda in recognition of teachers’ contribution to the country.
The Principal of Kisoro Municipal Vocational Training Institute, Michael Tumwizere, said teachers and tutors face challenges in transforming students’ morals and behaviour.
Tumwizere called upon parents to work closely with teachers in guiding learners. He also appealed to the government to consider tutors and lecturers in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training, TVET, sector when planning salary enhancements.
He said better support and improved remuneration for TVET instructors would enable them to effectively impart practical skills to students.
They should also consider geography as a science subject because like other science subjects, it has a theory and practical.