By Richard Onapatum
KOTIDO – The Kotido district yesterday marked World Teachers’ Day with a ceremony that highlighted the challenges faced by educators and encouraged them to leave a lasting legacy.
Atany Rose Grace, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee for the past three years, played a pivotal role in making the event a success. Her dedication and leadership ensured a seamless celebration.
Mrs Atany thanked well-wishers, including MPs, who donated generously, enabling the community to slaughter a big bull in honor of the occasion. She appealed to teachers to join the teachers’ union, highlighting the benefits of low interest rates.
Municipality Chairperson Unatu, Mr. Obwana Johnson, in his key note address thanked attendees and praised teachers for their success, emphasizing the importance of planning and legacy-building. “I urge you to plan and leave a legacy. We must transform Karamoja’s education sector,” Mr. Johnson said.
Mr. Johnson acknowledged the difficulties teachers face, including salary arrears, low operation costs, and grants. He cautioned teachers against taking loans from insurance companies, notably Sanlam, which has been accused of depriving them of their rights. Instead, he encouraged teachers to pursue income-generating activities and strive for excellence in the classroom.”The teacher’s policy by 2030 aims for all teachers to be graduates. I urge you to pursue higher education at local universities, such as Gulu University,” Mr. Johnson said. He also advocated for salary enhancements for primary and arts teachers, increased funding in the education sector, and technical support for teachers’ SACCOs.
Auma Gloria, Municipality Education Officer, delivered the guest of honour address. She appreciated the senior citizens present, apologized for the DEO’s absence, and thanked the Inatu committee for their efforts. Gloria confirmed understaffing and praised teachers for their good work, particularly in student performance.
Gloria shared her personal experience, “My first salary as a teacher was 40,000 shillings after working for three years without pay. Plan properly for the little salary you receive.” She encouraged teachers to build teamwork, good working relations, and self-motivation.
Gloria emphasized the importance of role modeling, avoiding excessive drinking, and emulating professional conduct. She also stressed minimizing conflicts, using technology to track attendance, and instilling discipline and providing counselling to adolescent learners.
“Teachers’ absenteeism is rampant. Keep a good dress code and avoid domestic violence. Let us minimize multiple loans and plan together as families,” Gloria said.
Senior Citizen Ambrose Lotukei, a former DEO and classroom teacher for 24 years, thanked teachers, saying, “Once a teacher, always a teacher.” He encouraged them to prepare for retirement and praised the district’s progress.
The celebration served as a platform to acknowledge teachers’ challenges and encourage them to strive for excellence. By addressing these issues and promoting teacher empowerment, the district aims to transform education in Karamoja and beyond.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Johnson appealed to local government to prioritize issues of acting officials, citing a teacher who has acted as a deputy for eight years. He also called for a curriculum review and salary enhancement.
The event culminated in a festive atmosphere, with the cutting of a cake provided by Stanbic Bank, followed by a reception at Travellers Corner Bar and Restaurant in Kotido. Teachers and guests enjoyed nyama choma, dancing, and refreshments, celebrating the dedication and hard work of educators in the district.
As the evening wore on, the revelry continued, with teachers letting loose and enjoying each other’s company. The joy and camaraderie were palpable, a testament to the strong bonds forged among educators in Kotido.
The World Teachers’ Day celebration in Kotido served as a poignant reminder of the vital role teachers play in shaping the future of Uganda’s youth. By acknowledging their challenges and promoting teacher empowerment, the district aims to transform education in Karamoja and beyond
World Teachers’ Day, held annually on October 5, commemorates the 1966 signing of the International Labour Organization (ILO)–United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Recommendation Concerning the Status of Teachers. This year’s theme, “Valuing Teachers’ Voices:j Towards a New Social Contract for Education,” highlights the importance of integrating teacher perspectives into educational prosperity