Pader teachers urged to uphold professional conduct and embrace lifelong learning

10 October 2026, 7:00 am

By Geoffrey Okwong

Teachers in Pader District have been urged to uphold professional ethics, use school resources responsibly and continuously upgrade their knowledge and skills to improve the quality of education.

Ojok Okwera, the Secretary for Social Services at Pader District Local Government, said teachers should observe the professional code of conduct, remain accountable for their actions and demonstrate commitment to their responsibilities.

He made the remarks while addressing teachers during a Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) membership education training at Sky Lounge in Pader Town Council.

Okwera emphasised that professionalism required teachers to be disciplined, responsible and willing to learn throughout their careers.

He urged teachers to ensure that school resources were properly managed and used for their intended purposes, saying educators should be accountable for decisions they make in the course of their duties.

Okwera also encouraged teachers to pursue further education and acquire additional qualifications, noting that continuous learning was important in strengthening their professional capacity.

He linked further education to career progression, citing examples of teachers whose academic qualifications had been considered in decisions concerning leadership opportunities.

Okwera said the district wanted to motivate teachers to pursue further studies and demonstrate commitment to their work, adding that education could open up opportunities for professional advancement.

He also called on teachers to strengthen their relationships with parents, whom he described as important partners in the education system.

Okwera urged teachers to use dialogue, wisdom and persuasion when engaging parents about supporting school activities, rather than approaching them in ways that could discourage cooperation.

He further acknowledged staffing gaps in some schools and said the district intended to assess the situation and determine how best to support affected institutions.

Meanwhile, Okello Patrick, the Vice Chairperson of Pader District Local Government, challenged teachers to improve learners’ academic performance, saying the district’s efforts to support their welfare needed to be matched by commitment in the classroom.

Okello said teachers had a central role in improving the performance of schools, including those in remote areas, and urged them to dedicate more time to teaching.

He said better results could help schools and their teachers gain recognition across the district, adding that local government leaders could not achieve their education goals without teachers’ cooperation.

Okello also pledged closer cooperation between the district leadership, technical education officials and UNATU to address teachers’ concerns and improve education outcomes.

The training was held under UNATU’s membership education programme, which seeks to build an informed, united, professional and proud union membership.