KAMPALA: The Uganda Muslim Teachers Association (UMTA) has called for improved remuneration, welfare and professional development of teachers, saying their wellbeing is central to improving the quality of education in the country.
Speaking to KFM regarding commemoration of the 2026 World Teachers’ Day, UMTA Executive Director Ms. Ajiri Namirembe said teachers deserve greater recognition and respect because they play a fundamental role in shaping the future of nations.
“Teachers are worth being celebrated by the world,” she said, noting that the importance of teachers is recognised globally because they prepare people for virtually every profession.
Ms Namirembe said every professional goes through the hands of a teacher at some point, making teachers an important part of people’s lives and national development.
She urged schools and education stakeholders to ensure that teachers are treated with dignity, fairly remunerated and supported in their professional work, regardless of whether they work in private or government-aided institutions.
“When you come to the government, we have a call that teachers really be given priority when it comes to salary increments,” she said.
She said celebrating teachers should go beyond dedicating a day to them, calling for sustained investment in their careers, welfare and professional development.
However, Mr Mukalazi Huzairu, director of Nagayi Memorial Education Centre in Rugaaga, Bukanga, Isingiro District, said Teachers’ Day means little to educators who continue to struggle with poor pay and difficult working conditions.
He cited low and delayed salaries, poor teaching conditions and harassment among the challenges facing teachers, saying there had been limited efforts to address them.
“Putting a day in the calendar does not make sense or bring joy to teachers when they are still poorly paid, working in poor conditions and not treated with the respect they deserve,” Mr Mukalazi said.
He said teachers would have more reason to celebrate if the day was accompanied by tangible improvements in their welfare.
“It would be a good day if teachers were celebrating good pay, good working conditions and respect from the nation. Teachers are among the most overlooked people, yet they play a vital role in nurturing and educating the population,” he said.
The comments come as Uganda joins other countries in recognising the contribution of teachers to education and national development.
UMTA, an umbrella body bringing together Muslim teachers and teachers’ associations, says its mission includes contributing to improved quality of education in Uganda and supporting the wider Muslim community.
The World Teachers’ Day 2026 is being commemorated under the theme; “Standing with teacher: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures”.
