Dear Esteemed Members and Supporters,
I hope this message finds you well. It is with great pleasure that I share some critical updates and developments regarding our ongoing efforts to support science teachers and advance education in Uganda. Our mission at the Uganda Professional Science Teachers’ Union (UPSTU) has always been to champion the welfare and professional growth of science teachers across the nation. Here, I will delve into these updates personally and underscore our unwavering commitment to you, our valued members, and to the broader education sector.
1. Establishing Regional Offices: Bringing Services Closer to You
I’m thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our journey: the establishment of ten branch offices or regional offices across various subregions in Uganda. These include Masaka, Kampala, Bugisu, Sebei, Busoga, Ankole, Lango, West Nile, Rwenzori, and Kigezi. This strategic expansion is driven by our deep commitment to bring UPSTU’s services closer to our members. We believe that every science teacher, regardless of their location, should have direct access to the support, resources, and advocacy that UPSTU provides.
UPSTU UPDATE #1: We have successfully completed the establishment of 10 Branch Offices/ Regional Offices in ten subregions of GMasaka, GKampala, Bugisu, Sebei, Busoga, Ankole , Lango , WestNile, Rwenzori & Kigezi.
— Mugaiga Aron (@AronMugaiga) October 31, 2023
Mission# Extend our services closer to our members @upstu_2019 pic.twitter.com/TXOsa009Yb
2. Following Up on the July 2023 Presidential Directive HTrs and DHTrs Salary Scale
Another vital update pertains to our relentless advocacy for the implementation of the Science Salary Scale for Head Teachers (HTrs) and Deputy Head Teachers (DHTrs) who are scientists, as directed by the President in July 2023. We have been actively involved in pushing for this directive’s full realization. While discussions are ongoing, I want to reassure you that UPSTU is working tirelessly to ensure that this matter is resolved as swiftly as possible. Your welfare remains our utmost priority.
Grateful appreciation to H.E. President @KagutaMuseveni and Hon. First Lady, Minister of @Educ_SportsUg, @JanetMuseveni for recognizing the need to uplift science head teachers and deputies. @upstu_2019 appeals to @mopsuganda & @mofpedU for swift implementation of this… https://t.co/xPS6QrqHDM pic.twitter.com/Gx1Bn7rlkg
— Uganda Professional Science Teachers' Union (@upstu_2019) August 22, 2023
UPDATE #2: We have been following up the issue of implementation of Science Salary scale for HTrs & DHTrs who are scientists as per the President's guidance and directive of July 2023. We are hopeful and want to reassure our members that this will be resolved soonest @rggoobi
— Mugaiga Aron (@AronMugaiga) October 31, 2023
3. Ensuring Fair Pay for Science Tutors: No Scientist Should be Left Behind
Our unwavering commitment to securing fair compensation for science tutors continues. While significant progress has been made in adjusting the salaries of some subjects, we remain concerned about our members, such as Home Economics tutors, who have yet to see their pay corrected accordingly. We firmly assert that these tutors are indeed scientists, a recognition shared by the Ministry of Education and Sports in the CSI No. 2 of 2015. Our pledge to you is that we will persistently engage with the government to ensure that no scientist is left behind, and that all receive just compensation.
We want to reaffirm our position that these tutors are scientists as it was equally put right by @mopsuganda in the CSI No. 2 of 2015. These too should be paid like other scientists. We shall continue to engage gov't to ensure that no scientist is left out. @upstu_2019
— Mugaiga Aron (@AronMugaiga) October 31, 2023
4. Addressing the Concerns of ICT Teachers: Science Salary Scale
Our advocacy extends to addressing the concerns of ICT teachers who are not on the Science Salary Scale because of having an art subject alongside ICT. We are actively engaged with the government to seek a resolution. We are optimistic that, in due course, a fair and equitable solution will be reached. Our commitment to securing the rights and fair treatment of all science teachers, including ICT educators, remains unshaken.
This is a teacher of ICT & more are affected! The PS of @Educ_SportsUg & @mopsuganda needs to make a pronouncement on this. ICT, according to @KagutaMuseveni & @GovUganda is a sci subject and all Trs who are appointed to teach ICT are Scientists. @JanetMuseveni @AronMugaiga pic.twitter.com/rbWEu6StCW
— Elong Vincent (@elong_vincent) May 23, 2023
UPDATE #4: The issue of ICT Trs who have an art subject alongside ICT and have been removed from SC Salary Scale continues to be top on our agenda. Engagements with gov't to have this resolved are continuing, we are optimistic that we shall positively go over this @Educ_SportsUg
— Mugaiga Aron (@AronMugaiga) October 31, 2023
5. Thriving UPSTU Members’ SACCO: A Source of Collective Economic Empowerment
I’d like to take a moment to commend the thriving UPSTU Members’ Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (SACCO). Our SACCO leadership has been doing an outstanding job, and we are grateful for their dedication. I want to emphasize the importance of all science teachers joining this mighty SACCO. Your membership not only empowers you individually but also contributes to our collective economic strength.
UPDATE #5: UPSTU MEMBERS' SACCO continues to thrive as it serves SC Trs. Thanks to the SACCO leadership who are doing a tremendous job. We urge all SC Trs to sign up and join this mighty SACCO for a collective economic empowerment. @upstu_2019 pic.twitter.com/ARxDVTnDL9
— Mugaiga Aron (@AronMugaiga) October 31, 2023
6. Defeating Negativity and False Propaganda: A Call to Serve with Diligence
I must address the unfortunate spread of misleading information in the media. Reports suggesting that science teachers are leaving the profession due to enhanced salaries are, in our view, attempts to tarnish our image and commitment to education. Be assured that we are actively investigating the source of this negativity and its underlying intentions. We will respond appropriately. For now, I urge all science teachers to remain steadfast in their duties and continue serving our nation with diligence and unwavering dedication.
We shall continue to study the source of this negativity and the underlying intentions, we shall then respond accordingly and put all the lies to shame. For now we encourage all SC Trs to stick to their duties and serve our nation with diligence & utmost commitment @upstu_2019
— Mugaiga Aron (@AronMugaiga) October 31, 2023
In conclusion, I want to reaffirm our commitment to promoting excellence in education. Together, with your unwavering support, UPSTU is making strides toward a brighter future for science teachers and, by extension, for the nation as a whole. Your dedication to the profession and your students is truly commendable, and we are here to ensure that your efforts are recognized and rewarded.
Thank you for your continued trust in UPSTU. Together, we will continue to inspire, empower, and illuminate the path to a brighter tomorrow for science education in Uganda.
With warm regards,
Mugaiga Aron
General Secretary
Uganda Professional Science Teachers’ Union (UPSTU)
October 30, 2023