Kapchorwa, Uganda – Uganda’s education sector is facing a growing teacher shortage as local authorities report a surge in early retirements, driven by low pay, policy pressures, and the closure of teacher training colleges.
The issue was highlighted during the 2026/27 Budget Consultative Workshop in Mbale, where Kapchorwa District Planner Josepert Mayamba warned of potential disruptions in service delivery.
The consultative workshops are designed to gather input from local authorities and provide feedback on budget priorities and implementation.
Chebet Owen Kweko, Kapchorwa District Education Officer, told this reporter that on average 20 primary teachers leave service annually.
“This year, Kapchorwa recruited 40 teachers, 15 of whom were replacements for early retirees,” Kweko said.
He attributed the departures to post-COVID economic shifts that have pushed many teachers into more lucrative business ventures.
The rollout of the National Teacher Policy (2019), which requires all teachers to hold a degree by 2029, has also prompted early exits.
“For many teachers who have stagnated at Grade III level, moving to diploma or degree level feels impossible. Some are choosing to retire early before the policy catches up with them,” Kweko explained.
Kweko also noted that some teachers may have joined the profession using questionable academic documents, prompting them to exit quietly before potential policy reviews uncover discrepancies.
The revelation comes as Uganda National Teachers’ Union (Unatu) members continue their strike over salary disparities.
“If this trend continues, we will have classrooms without teachers, especially in rural areas,” Kweko warned.
Observers have also raised concerns over the closure of teacher training colleges, which has narrowed recruitment channels and could threaten the sustainability of the country’s universal education programs.
However, development economist Julius Kapwepwe downplayed fears of a systemic loss. “At a macro-economic level, teachers leaving the profession are not exiting the economy but rather shifting to other productive ventures, while also creating space for younger entrants into the service,” he said.