The Ugandan Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni, has reaffirmed her stance against the employment of government teachers in private schools, stressing the need for strict enforcement of this policy. Speaking during a recent educational meeting in Kampala, the minister emphasized that teachers employed in government institutions must focus exclusively on their roles to improve service delivery and ensure better outcomes in public education.
Janet Museveni criticized the practice of government teachers neglecting their duties in public schools while working for private institutions to earn extra income. “This dual employment undermines the quality of education in public schools,” she stated, urging district education officials and school administrators to closely monitor and report violations of the policy.
The directive comes amid ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Education to address challenges in Uganda’s public school system, including teacher absenteeism, poor performance, and resource mismanagement. By enforcing this policy, the ministry aims to enhance accountability and ensure government schools provide equitable education to all learners, especially those in underserved areas.
The announcement has sparked a mix of reactions from stakeholders. Some have welcomed the move as a necessary step to strengthen public education, while others argue that the government should address the root causes, such as low teacher salaries, that push educators to seek additional employment. Teacher unions have called for dialogue, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions to the financial hardships faced by educators.
The Ministry of Education plans to collaborate with local authorities to implement the directive effectively while exploring ways to improve teacher welfare and resource allocation. This policy forms part of a broader strategy to uplift Uganda’s public education standards and reduce disparities between government and private schools.
