Makerere University Leadership Urges Salary Increments for Teachers in National Teachers Bill 2024
Makerere University leadership is advocating for salary increments for teachers to be included in the National Teachers Bill 2024. This proposal was made on Tuesday, 01 October 2024, during a meeting with the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Sports, which included officials from public universities, the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), and the Ministry of Education and Sports.
Leah Sikoyo, a senior lecturer in the School of Education, emphasized that while the Bill sets a minimum qualification of a Bachelor’s degree for teachers, salaries must reflect these qualifications. She stated, “If teachers are being encouraged to upgrade their qualifications, there should be a corresponding salary increment. Many teachers who have pursued higher qualifications are still earning basic wages.”
Dr. David Kabugo, Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning, echoed these concerns, stressing the importance of salary adjustments in attracting qualified educators. He noted, “The Bill focuses on regulation and qualifications but overlooks the critical issue of teacher welfare. Burnout and wellbeing are real concerns, and neglecting salaries will only worsen the situation.”
In addition, Frederick Ssempala, Dean of Education at Kabaale University, proposed increasing penalties for unethical behavior among teachers from Shs5 million to Shs20 million, stating, “A fine of 1,000 currency points would serve as a strong deterrent to the rampant indiscipline we are seeing in the teaching profession.”
Officials from NCHE also raised concerns about overlapping roles with the National Teachers’ Council (NTC). Executive Director Mary Okwakol called for clear delineation of responsibilities in the Bill to prevent conflicting mandates, asserting, “The NTC should focus on professional practices, while NCHE should oversee the quality of teaching.”
The National Teachers Bill 2024 aims to establish the National Teachers Council and manage teacher internship programs, regulate the profession, and oversee licensing, registration, and disciplinary procedures. Stakeholders are urging Parliament to address teacher welfare by incorporating key issues like remuneration and professional ethics.
