The Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) disclosed that a staggering 1,278 teachers in Uganda have passed away between 2021 and 2023. This concerning statistic, brought to light during a recent UNATU delegate conference in Kampala, points to a myriad of causes, including stress from unmet demands and poor working conditions.
UNATU Chairperson Zadock Tumuhimbise, addressing the gravity of the situation during the conference, emphasized the immediate need to address the underlying factors leading to these untimely deaths. Tumuhimbise highlighted the widening gap in the teaching profession, urging urgent attention to avert a potential teacher shortage crisis by 2025.
According to UNATU records, between January and November of the current year alone, 356 teachers have succumbed to various causes, with 272 being males. This alarming rate is attributed to teachers’ frustration arising from poor living standards and inadequate income.
Expressing deep concerns about the consequences of these losses, UNATU branch chairperson of Katakwi, Santus Okot, warned that the government appears unaware of the impending teacher shortage. The union is urgently calling for collaborative efforts to address the root causes of the issue and safeguard the future of education in Uganda.
The frustration among teachers has led to reckless behavior, with some resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms. In 2021, a total of 490 teachers lost their lives, including 126 women, while in 2022, approximately 432 teachers passed away, including 104 women.
Illustrating the severity of the situation, last month in Terego district, community members took drastic action, arresting a teacher from Ejome Primary School for consuming alcohol during class hours. This incident serves as a stark example of the impact of frustration on educators, affecting both their personal and professional lives.
The UNATU conference has sounded the alarm for immediate intervention to address the systemic issues affecting teachers in Uganda. The union’s plea for urgent attention seeks to prevent further loss of valuable educators and to secure the stability of the education sector in the country.
