The aim of forming the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) was to encourage team work

On 4^th October 2014, members of UNATU (Uganda National Teachers’ Union) indicated how they formed the UNATU body so as to encourage team work. “The aim of forming UNATU was to come together and form team work. Team work has been a driving force towards better achievements and performance in the education sector”, said Rwabutiiti Kihika Vincent, the Chairperson of Burahya County Head Teachers Association in Kabarole District. The panelist was discussing on ToroDev’s live radio discussion called ‘Orukurato Program’, a live radio discussion that discusses issues of accountability every Saturday (08:00-10:00) pm on HITS FM. 

UNATU logo

The live radio discussion was also attended by Mr. Ruhweza Joseph, the Chairperson of UNATU in Fort Portal Municipality, Mr. Mugenyi David, the secretary of UNATU Fort Portal Municipality and Miss. Bonabana Catherine, the treasurer of UNATU Fort Portal branch.

During the live radio discussion, Mr. Ruhweza Joseph indicated how teachers made UNATU to create one common voice. “As teachers, we formed UNATU ten years back to create one common voice so that our issues and concerns could reach the concerned top leaders easily. This body has helped in mobilizing teachers in the whole country because it is a national body and it is in almost every district”.

Mr. Mugenyi David appealed to the parents to play their role in educating children and not leave the whole task to the parents. “Parents need to play their role and fulfill their responsibilities in educating their children. Parents have responsibilities of supporting their children through providing books, pens, food and other necessities, creating self motivation among their children so that they have interest in education, planning and supporting government programs, among others”.

Meanwhile, Miss Bonabana Catherine indicated the challenges that they are facing in UNATU. “We are facing challenges such as lack of cooperation from other members in the body, parents are not supportive and also the number of the school dropout among girls is still so high”.

The live radio discussion was moderated by Mr. Kasigazi Willy Donanto and is supported by SIDA/CIPESA and SPIDER/Stockholm University on a project aimed at using appropriate ICT tools to promote democratic engagement in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda.