By Enock Ndyamuhakyi
Kabale-Despite the ongoing industrial action by government teachers under the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU), most schools in Kabale Municipality have resumed normal third-term classes.
On Monday, both primary and secondary schools opened their doors to learners, with many reporting high student attendance and active teaching.
Mr. Abraham Akampurira, the Headteacher of Kigezi High School, confirmed that more than 80 percent of students had reported for the new term. He said lessons were progressing well, with teachers fully engaged in classroom instruction.
“This being the third term, both staff and students are focused on preparing for the upcoming UNEB examinations, while other learners are working hard to qualify for promotion to the next class,” Akampurira noted.
At God’s Favor Nursery and Primary School, director Saturday Collins Kahesi also confirmed a steady return of pupils from Primary One to Primary Seven. He stressed that his teaching staff are not participating in the strike and urged parents to continue sending their children to school.
“Our teachers are fully committed, and we are even admitting new learners from Primary One to Primary Five,” Kahesi said.
However, when contacted, the headteacher of St. Mary’s College Rushoroza declined to comment, saying it was still too early to determine whether their teachers would join the strike.
Meanwhile, Mr. Praise Twebaze, Treasurer of the Uganda Professional and Technical Teachers Union (UPHTU) for the Kigezi Region and Kabale Municipality Coordinator, expressed a more cautious stance. He said he neither fully supports nor opposes the strike, suggesting that some individuals behind the action might be acting on behalf of the government.
“I don’t have strong reasons to participate or stop others from participating. Everyone should make a personal decision based on their circumstances,” Twebaze explained.
The third term is a critical period in Uganda’s academic calendar, especially for candidates preparing for national examinations.
While the strike continues to disrupt learning in parts of the country, most schools in Kabale Municipality remain operational, with learners and teachers determined to make the most of the term.
