Museveni Touts NRM Achievements in Luwero as Teachers’ Strike Persists

Summary:

• Despite the President’s optimistic message, discontent continues to grow among government school teachers.

LUWERO, UGANDA — President Yoweri Museveni on Tuesday officially launched the National Resistance Movement (NRM) campaign in Luwero, highlighting the party’s achievements since taking power in 1986.

Speaking alongside First Lady Maama Janet Museveni, the President said the NRM has made substantial strides in education, health, and infrastructure development.

“In 1986, we had only 30 Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools. Today, we have increased that number to 488,” he said.

“Health centres have expanded from just 5 in 1986 to 88 today. Clean water points have grown from 27 to over 2,000, with 1,371 in Luwero alone. Under the Parish Development Model (PDM), we have allocated 72 billion shillings to help fight poverty.”

President Museveni stressed that Uganda has undergone a transformation since the liberation struggle, particularly in the Luwero Triangle, which played a pivotal role in the NRM’s rise to power.

“From the time we stood with your parents in Luwero to today, I can proudly say Uganda has transformed. The only thing left is to loosen the grip of poverty by fully utilizing government programs,” he added.

Teachers’ Strike Continues Over Salary Disparities

Despite the President’s optimistic message, discontent continues to grow among government school teachers.

Zadoki Tumusiime, the Chairperson of the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU), told The Light News that the ongoing industrial action by teachers will continue until the government fulfills its promise to enhance the salaries of arts teachers.

“The government has ignored teachers for too long. We shape the future of this country, yet we are not valued. The strike will not end until teachers are recognized and treated with dignity,” Tumusiime stated.

Education at a Standstill in Government Schools

Leo Tumwesigye, a concerned parent , said that while teachers are justified in fighting for their rights, the situation is hurting students in public schools.

“Private school learners are continuing with their studies while government school learners remain at home. The government must resolve this impasse immediately,” he said.

Parents, meanwhile, remain in the dark about when government schools will reopen, clinging to hope that authorities will soon intervene and restore normalcy.

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