By Johannah Nantongo
Wakiso District LC5 Chairperson Eng. Ian Kyeyune has pledged to defend teachers’ dignity, calling for greater respect for educators amid concerns about their treatment by government authorities.
Kyeyune made the commitment during celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the Wakiso Secondary Schools Head Teachers Association (WAKISSHA), held at the association’s headquarters last Friday. He represented the Prime Minister as chief guest at the event.
His remarks followed concerns raised by WAKISSHA chairperson Immaculate Lwanga, who criticised actions by the Minister of State for Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, saying they risk undermining teachers’ professional dignity.
Kyeyune said teachers should be able to carry out their duties confidently and without fear of humiliation, emphasising the importance of protecting their standing in society. He pledged to champion their welfare throughout his tenure as district chairperson.
The district leader also commended school administrators for their investments in educational infrastructure, including modern buildings and sports facilities, as well as their efforts to maintain academic standards through examinations.
However, he urged teachers to pay greater attention to challenges affecting learners’ mental health, particularly drug abuse in schools, which he said was contributing to psychological problems among young people.
Kyeyune further encouraged school administrators to embrace government programmes aimed at equipping young people with practical skills that can help them become productive after completing their education.
Speaking at the celebrations, Kotirida Nakatte, Buganda Kingdom’s Minister of Education, said WAKISSHA’s achievements reflected the legacy of King Edward Muteesa I, whom she credited with opening Uganda to foreign influences, including Western education.
Nakatte praised the association for promoting unity, describing it as an important value that has helped sustain the Buganda Kingdom. She also recalled that the Kabaka of Buganda had officially opened the association’s football ground and named it Kyabagu Playground.
She said the kingdom continued to support education through the establishment of schools, particularly in Wakiso District, and challenged teachers to work towards improving learning standards across the area.
Juliet Muzoora Atuhairwe, the Commissioner for Secondary Education at the Ministry of Education and Sports, commended the Buganda Kingdom for providing land for schools and supporting parents through bursaries to enable more children to access education.
She also praised WAKISSHA for contributing to improved education standards and promoting investment that creates employment opportunities within local communities.
Muzoora highlighted teamwork and mutual respect as important elements of the association’s progress, urging other professional associations to adopt similar practices to strengthen their communities.
Meanwhile, Lwanga raised concerns about the tax burden on teachers, arguing that their earnings were too low to comfortably meet the obligations. She appealed for the Prime Minister’s intervention to explore ways of easing the burden.
She also outlined some of WAKISSHA’s achievements over its 25 years, including supporting government efforts to promote science education and training teachers in assessment methods, particularly for science subjects.
The silver jubilee celebrations provided an opportunity for the association to reflect on its contribution to secondary education in Wakiso District and renew its commitment to improving teaching standards and learners’ outcomes.