Rubanda District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Prossy Mbabazi Akampurira, has called on teachers in Rubanda District to prioritize establishing a fully functional Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) to address some of their pressing financial challenges.
Hon. Akampurira made these remarks while officiating at the commemoration of World Teachers’ Day, held at Kabirizi Primary School in Rubanda Town Council today. The event drew hundreds of teachers from across the district, united under the umbrella of the Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU), who came together to celebrate their contributions to education under the theme: “Valuing Teachers’ Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education.”
During her address, Hon. Akampurira emphasized the importance of teachers working together through a SACCO to access affordable credit and improve their financial well-being. She noted that a well-managed SACCO could be a reliable solution to financial hardships such as delayed payments, insufficient salaries, and a lack of promotional incentives, all of which were major concerns raised by the teachers during the event.
“By joining hands and forming a vibrant SACCO, you can collectively empower yourselves financially and reduce dependency on external sources,” Akampurira said.
Hon. Akampurira also pledged UGX 10 million when the teachers unite and start a SACCO. “As soon as the SACCO becomes operational, I am committing UGX 10 million to help kickstart its activities and ensure it serves its purpose of improving your financial standing,” Akampurira announced, prompting applause from the gathered educators.
In addition to the SACCO, Hon. Akampurira urged teachers, particularly male educators, to invest in other ventures, encouraging them to start businesses that can financially support their families. She highlighted the importance of balancing finances within households and emphasized that diverse income streams could lead to greater financial stability.
“Investing in businesses and agriculture can provide additional income that supports your families and enhances your overall financial situation. I urge you to consider entrepreneurship as a means of empowerment,” Akampurira said.
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Represented by Rubanda Brunch UNATU Vice Chairperson Asumpta Akankwasa, the teachers at the event voiced concerns over ongoing financial struggles, including delayed payments, low salaries, and a lack of promotional opportunities, which they said dampened their motivation.
They called for better working conditions and recognition for their contributions to society, echoing the global call for a new social contract that prioritizes education and its key players—teachers.
During the event, teachers also highlighted that while the new curriculum has potential, implementation challenges persist. They expressed concerns about the practical difficulties in adapting to the new curriculum and emphasized the need for adequate training and resources to ensure its success in the classroom.
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The World Teachers’ Day celebration provided an opportunity for educators in Rubanda to reflect on their crucial role in shaping future generations while also voicing concerns over the challenges they continue to face.
Hon. Akampurira concluded her remarks by reaffirming her commitment to advocating for the welfare of teachers, urging district leadership and the government to consider addressing their grievances as a priority for the betterment of the education sector in Rubanda.
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