Teachers call for better pay and working conditions on World Teachers’ Day

6 October 2026, 10:16 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Teachers in Uganda have called for improved salaries and better working conditions as the world marked International Teachers’ Day yesterday.

World Teachers’ Day was established by UNESCO in 1994 to recognise the contribution of teachers to society. The official theme for 2026 is “Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures.”

Teachers used the day to highlight challenges they say continue to affect their work, particularly low salaries and inadequate funding.

Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre, the acting Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. JC Muyingo, through Frances Atima, Chief Education Officer for Education Standards and Quality Assurance in the Ministry of Education and Sports, delivered the government’s statement to mark the day.

Government said the celebration is an important gesture to recognise teachers for their contribution to transforming society and reaffirmed its commitment to addressing challenges affecting the teaching profession.

On teachers’ salaries, government said the issue is being handled in a phased manner.

Nakayiza Agnes, a teacher in Kampala Central Division, appreciated government for enhancing teachers’ salaries, saying the increase would enable them to meet some of their needs.

She, however, said more still needs to be done, especially to improve the working conditions of teachers in rural areas.

She said many teachers in rural schools work in poor conditions, with some schools requiring renovation while some learners still study under trees.

Nakayiza also blamed corruption for hindering government services from reaching communities that need them most.

She called for a roundtable discussion involving stakeholders to find solutions to the challenges affecting teachers and learners.

Meanwhile, Sendi Axam, a student at one of the schools in Kampala, called on government to consider declaring World Teachers’ Day a public holiday.

Axam said teachers make a significant contribution to the country and deserve greater recognition for their work.

He said making the day a public holiday would help raise public awareness about the importance of teachers and make them feel appreciated for their contribution to national development.