Private schools in Kasese are struggling to retain teachers as an increasing number leave for government-aided schools, a trend education stakeholders say is creating staffing shortages and threatening the quality of learning. The concerns were raised during the 33rd anniversary celebration of the National Private Educational Institutions Association (NPEIA), held in Kasese Municipality.
Private school proprietors say the exodus has left many institutions struggling to maintain adequate staffing levels, with some schools forced to give pupils more take-home assignments because there are not enough teachers to conduct lessons.
Lamula Nakacwa, the Director of Nyakasanga Infant Primary School, described the situation as dire, saying private schools need qualified and motivated teachers to provide quality education. She called on the government to reduce taxes imposed on private schools to enable them to remain financially viable and improve teachers’ pay.
Elias Kabega, the Head Teacher of Kasese Muslim Primary School, said the shortage of teachers is creating a major gap in private schools, with some institutions resorting to giving pupils homework because there are not enough teachers to handle lessons. Kabega said some private schools pay teachers as little as 200,000 shillings a month, while government teachers have recently received salary increases, making public schools more attractive to qualified educators.
The situation is also affecting private universities. Nathanel Walemba, the Vice Chancellor of Rwenzori International University, said private universities are under pressure because of the high salaries required to retain academic staff. He called for a more favourable operating environment, including tax relief and stronger collaboration with government, to ensure the sustainability of private education institutions.
Hasadu Kirabira, the Chairperson of the National Private Educational Institutions Association in Uganda, attributed the teacher exodus to the financial difficulties facing private schools, which he said are worsened by high taxes and multiple levies. He appealed for measures to ease the financial burden on private institutions and create conditions that would allow the sector to grow.
Michael Mawanda Malanga, the Member of Parliament for Igara East and Director of Mobilisation for the Patriotic League of Uganda, assured private school owners that the government intends to provide grants to improve infrastructure and raise education standards. Mawanda also acknowledged the important role private schools play in Uganda’s education system.
The Prime Minister of the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu, Baritazale Kule Benson, called on the government to support private schools so they can continue operating above the minimum required standards. He reaffirmed the kingdom’s commitment to education, citing initiatives such as the “Day of the Pen” and scholarships for disadvantaged students-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
