Unclear Internship Provisions in National Teachers Bill Spark Concerns
UNATU emphasizes the need for clarity on internship facilitation, suggesting that intern teachers should be deployed in their areas of residence or home areas if no facilitation is provided.
The Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) has expressed concerns over the lack of clear provisions regarding the welfare of internship teachers in the proposed National Teachers Bill.
According to Filbert Baguma, the ambiguity surrounding government financial support for interns may deter talented individuals from joining the teaching profession.
"This ambiguity would deter potential talented persons from joining the teaching profession," Baguma stated.
"The Bill therefore ought to provide clear guidelines on whether Government or schools will provide stipends or financial support for interns in order to ensure just and equitable internship system."
Baguma argued that the introduction of internship is essentially meant to replace school practice, as teacher trainees cannot undertake both simultaneously.
However, Patrick Nyanzi, from Butemba County, revealed that the Ministry of Education plans to require teacher trainees to undertake both school practice and internship, contrary to initial assumptions.
UNATU emphasizes the need for clarity on internship facilitation, suggesting that intern teachers should be deployed in their areas of residence or home areas if no facilitation is provided.
The proposed National Teachers Bill aims to standardize and professionalize the teaching profession, but educators argue that low remuneration in the sector doesn't justify the cost of attaining a Bachelor's degree in Uganda.