2024 Year In Review: Updates from UPSTU Secretariat | ProDev Hour 19/Dec/24 – Speaker: Aron Mugaiga

On December 19, 2024, the Uganda Professional Science Teachers Union (UPSTU) hosted the ProDev Hour session under the theme, “Year in Review: Updates from the UPSTU Secretariat.” This highly anticipated session brought together science educators, union leaders, and stakeholders to reflect on the year’s achievements, challenges, and future plans. The session, moderated by Mr. Bamuteze Stanley, UPSTU’s Deputy General Secretary, featured an insightful presentation by Dr. Aron Mugaiga, the General Secretary, who described 2024 as a year of groundbreaking progress for the union and its members.

In his address, Dr. Mugaiga opened with a summary of UPSTU Strategic Objectives:

• Unite all science teachers in Uganda to collectively represent their rights and interests. 
• Identify and report science teachers’ challenges to policymakers for consideration. 
• Negotiate salaries and welfare with government and private institutions. 
• Collaborate with other labor unions and development partners for shared goals. 
• Foster self-respect and dignity among members. 
• Build financial resources and assets for the Union’s sustainability. 
• Promote harmony between employers and employees. 
• Advocate for high education standards and professionalism in science teaching. 
• Educate and represent members on rights like anti-discrimination and workplace safety. 
• Offer legal support and guidance on labor law violations and safety issues. 
• Ensure job security and fair treatment in termination cases.  
• Integrate gender concerns in policies for female science teachers. 
• Undertake any lawful activities to achieve these goals.

The year’s advocacy milestones also underscored UPSTU’s growing voice in championing science educators’ welfare.

Key Events and Advocacy in the Past Year

• Annual Delegates Conference (ADC) held at the end of 2023. ADC is the top organ of the Union at which annual reports and budgets are presented to the delegates. Preparations are underway for the 2nd ADC on 27th – 28th December 2024 with representatives / delegates invited from all sub regions across the country.
• Worked on a publication about UPSTU in the Landmark Margazine on the Occasion on the 3th NRA Liberation Day – 26^th Jan 2026
• UNEB results analysis and media engagement –Represented UPSTU and Responded to critics of performance in science subjects despite salary enhancement, through social media, TV, Radio and writing newspaper articles
• Did consistent advocacy for female science teachers as role models for girls to take on careers in science.
• This involved online advocacy and making a physical proposal presentation to UNICEF
• Participated in the International Labour Day Celebrations 2024 in Fort Portal.
• UPSTU was also well represented at the I.L.O conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

• Advocated and carried out Negotiations regarding salaries for Science Tutors in PTCs who were illegally removed from science scale.
• Advocated for ICT teachers to be put on science pay regardless of second teaching subject. Registered and submitted list of affected  ICT teachers for salary enhancement.
• Advocated for salary enhancement for science teachers in administrative roles, i.e HTs and Deputies. Addendum to Schedule 4-A has been issued reflecting a rise from 2.3M to 6.5M for HTs and 1.7M to 4.5M for deputies.
• Responded to reports about early retirement of science teachers. We retaliated with facts. We urge all our members not to be misled into early retirement and business without a proper planning, a decision they may regret  in a few years.
• Organized the 1^st Annual Women’s Conference for Science Teachers’ Representatives.
• Organized a teachers Match on the streets of Kampala to commemorate World Teachers’ Day 2024
• Joined other teachers at Lugogo Cricket Oval for the National Celebrations for WTD 2024. Secured a revolving fund for our SACCO from govt. 
• Organized an Exhibition for Science Projects during WTD 2024 and awarded winners.

Other Union Programs

• Apart from events and advocacy, the union has run several programs and initiatives.
• One being the 1^st phase of corporate wear distribution done in Greater Kampala, G. Masaka, Busoga, Bugisu, and Sebei
• The Science In Action Project was piloted this year with visits to Sam Iga College, Trinity College Nabbingo and Comboni College Lira. Check our YouTube Channel for videos
• ProDev Hour program started to support members professional development, social and economic empowerment. Visit our website or YouTube channel youtube.com/@upstu_2019 for past sessions

Administrative Achievements and Union Growth

• Various Departments have been created at the Secretariat to streamline operations. These include the IT Department, Research Department, Legal department, Accounts and Audit department, and Estates Management for work efficiency.

• Acquisition of a branded UPSTU van for Secretariat operations.
• Secretariat has continued to process allowances, taxes, NSSF contributions, and salaries promptly for all our staff. Utilities and office rent also consistently paid on time,
• Professional Accounting and Auditing practices done including, regional bank accounts opened up for efficiency
• Procurement of critical office equipment e.g Heavy-duty printers, computers, cameras, etc.
• Meetings for Committees, NEC and CEC regularly hosted at the secretariat.
• Regional Offices established in West Nile, Acholi in  addition to offices in Masaka, Kampala, Bugisu, Sebei, Busoga, Ankole, Lango, West Nile, Rwenzori, and Kigezi.
• We have written to CAOs regarding coding of our members.
• Membership increased to 7,000+ subscribing members.
• Supported members through Condolences from the union.

Way Forward in 2025

• We have embarked on the process of securing land and starting the construction of the UPSTU Science and Technology Complex.
• Continue advocating for categories of science teachers who are not yet having enhanced salaried
• Expand professional development programs to empower members.
• Enhance membership growth and check-off systems in underrepresented regions.
• Conduct Regional and National UPSTU Science Fairs / Exhibitions

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite these accomplishments, 2024 was not without its challenges. Dr. Mugaiga highlighted the delays in implementing government directives for science educators, particularly regarding the inclusion of all headteachers and deputies in the enhanced salary structure. However, the General Secretary assured members that UPSTU remains resolute in its mission to bridge these gaps.

In terms of opportunities, UPSTU plans to expand its reach through strategic partnerships and alternative funding streams for projects.

Conclusion

The “Year in Review” ProDev Hour session was a fitting finale to a year of impactful initiatives by UPSTU. As the union prepares for the upcoming Annual Delegates’ Conference, members can take pride in the strides made toward improving science education and the welfare of educators across Uganda. The achievements of 2024 lay a solid foundation for an even more ambitious agenda in 2025.

For those who missed the session, the full recording is now available on UPSTU’s YouTube channel. Let us continue working together to empower science educators and shape the future of education in Uganda.