Okwir Haron
Otuke, Uganda | District leaders in Otuke have been directed to mobilize parents to ensure children return to school, following widespread closures caused by an ongoing teachers’ strike.
The Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Erick Masiga, warned that teachers and head teachers who continue to deny learners access to education will face strict action.
Speaking at a District Internal Security Meeting on 24 September, Masiga said his survey revealed numerous schools in the district have remained closed, with head teachers allegedly locking premises in solidarity with the strike.
The industrial action, led by the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU), is driven by longstanding salary disparities.
UNATU General Secretary Filbert Baguma explained that the strike follows three years of unsuccessful negotiations with the government.
Jasper Okengo, LCIII Chairperson of Ogor Subcounty, noted that pupils are ready to return to school and said local leaders will monitor and report schools that fail to conduct lessons.
In Barjobi Subcounty, LCIII Chairperson Daniel Ojok Aruca highlighted the social impact of keeping children at home, warning that idle children contribute to community problems.
John Bosco Olwit, a local leader, added that in his area, teaching continues at Okwongo Primary School, but teachers face pressure from UNATU, affecting their ability to focus on lessons.
Otuke LCV Chairperson Francis Abola proposed that head teachers be summoned and ordered to resume teaching, warning that those failing to return by 30 September will be deemed to have abandoned their duties.
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) James Ingoi urged district leaders to enforce the Education Act, emphasizing that local leaders should actively engage with schools to ensure children return to learning.
Assistant RDC Isaac Opio Opeo recommended “Baraza” meetings to address the strike and accused local UNATU leaders of perpetuating the industrial action.
RDC Masiga stressed that teachers and head teachers have no mandate to deny learners their right to education.
He added that Otuke’s education performance is currently poor and called on leaders to act decisively. Parents were urged not to support the strike but to continue sending their children to school, with Masiga emphasizing that education is a shared responsibility.
