By Hanning Mbabazi
Government of Uganda is going to reward the best three performing primary teachers with land titles for their exceptional work in promoting learning in government funded schools.
The three will be part of 58 teachers to be awarded during the 2nd National Primary Teachers Conference scheduled to take place at London College of St Lawrence, Maya from September 5 to 7.
The best performing teachers were selected by a national selection team comprising different members from UNATU, District Educational Officers, Education Ministry Officials and regional head teacher’s leaders.
The state minister for Primary Education Rosemary Seninde said, the event is aimed at celebrating the contribution of teachers towards learning, community and national growth, as well as harnessing their partnership and innovation for development.
Seninde said, teachers will be awarded for their outstanding performance by President Yoweri Museveni before being treated to a dinner on the final day and those who will emerge best at the national level will receive the land titles in one of the Jomayi Real Estates.
“The NPTC was initiated based on the premise that primary teachers are crucial to the delivery of Uganda’s educational goals as prescribed in the Education strategic plan, Uganda’s National Development Plan II, and Vision 2040 and ultimately the Sustainable Development Goals because they lay a foundation for education,” Seninde said.
David Ssegenddo, the national chairman of the head teacher’s association said one of the indicators that are going to be followed is the performance of learners at Primary Leaving Examination.
“We looked at how many pupils have passed a particular subject over a given amount of time. Teachers with records of learners passing highly will made it to the list,” he said.
Dr. Tony Mukasa Lusmabu said they decided to award primary teachers because they are the biggest work force of the country that is often left behind.
He added that the awards are to encourage the country’s biggest workforce to continue building the country.
Some of the teachers that will be awarded in Kampala and Wakiso include; Irene Busingye from Kalinabiri Primary School, Kibedi Waiswa from Buganda Road Primary School, Nalukwago Elenor Martha from Budo Junior School and Ddamulira John from Kikusa CoU Primary School.
At least 4,000 primary teachers and 170 district and municipality officials will be exposed to teaching dynamics of the 21st century with emphasis on the development of instructional materials, leadership skills, entrepreneurial skills, and financial literacy, among others.
