Teachers Cautioned on Early Retirement and Multiple Loans

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Teachers Cautioned on Early Retirement and Multiple Loans
Buyende RDC Betty Akello Otekat addressing teachers on quality, ethics and loyalty during the district teachers’ day celebrations

Akello praised teachers as critical agents of change and transformation but warned that many are overwhelmed by debt and retiring prematurely without proper preparation.

Teachers have been urged to avoid rushing into early retirement and taking on multiple loans without a clear financial plan.

This caution was issued by Buyende RDC Betty Akello Otekat during the Teachers' Day celebrations held at Buyende Township School.

Akello praised teachers as critical agents of change and transformation but warned that many are overwhelmed by debt and retiring prematurely without proper preparation.

She emphasized that the government remains committed to improving teachers' welfare and supporting their continuous professional development.

"Government values the role of teachers in the knowledge economy, and we encourage you to uphold professional ethics, be role models, and instill discipline in children," Akello stated.

She also discouraged early retirements as a solution to debt, advising teachers to strengthen their SACCOs instead.

The RDC highlighted a previous contribution of Shs10 million by Budiope East MP Moses Magogo to the teachers' SACCO, which was misappropriated.

Akello promised to ensure better management of the SACCO, pledging an additional Shs1 million from Magogo and Minister for Presidency Milly Babalanda.

Akello also addressed allegations that she incites parents against supporting schools, clarifying that her stance is against chasing children from school over unpaid fees.

She condemned illegal fees imposed by local governments, which she said sabotage government efforts in education.

Buyende DEO Dison Bwire echoed Akello's concerns about multiple loans among teachers, which he said lead to inefficiency at work.

Bwire revealed that 90% of teachers are heavily indebted, borrowing from banks, microfinance institutions, and other informal sources.

This financial strain, he noted, often results in absenteeism and low performance.

Bwire urged teachers to strengthen their SACCOs for more affordable loans and encouraged them to embrace technology to keep pace with modern education systems.

"Education is moving towards digital platforms, and teachers must adapt to systems like TELA and EMIS," he said.

In their report, Buyende District UNATU Chairperson Catherine Kwegemya highlighted challenges facing the teaching profession, including unfriendly education policies, poor teacher training, and salary disparities.

She criticized the requirement for teachers to hold degrees while earning salaries meant for lower qualifications.

The teachers called for increased funding for education, harmonization of salaries, and the lifting of the recruitment ban to motivate them and improve performance in schools.

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