Teachers in Uganda under their umbrella Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) want government to cater for their funeral expenses as is the case with other public servants.
The teachers through their association Secretary General Filbert Baguma, insist that government should treat them and the other government officials equally.
“Teachers are entitled to a number of things at death, government by policy is supposed to buy a coffin, construct the grave, buy a wrapping cloth, put a wreath, the responsible officer is supposed to write a condolence message to the next of kin,” Baguma told journalists in a press briefing.
“The government should also transport the body to the burial ground, but all this is not being done, hence very discriminatory,” he added.
Baguma also reiterated that teachers are still disgruntled regarding a promise by government to enhance their salaries.
“The 20% salary increment for teachers in post primary sub sector effective July 2018 was not implemented as agreed.”
The teachers also want government to streamline their retirement benefits.
In September 2016, government decided to spend Shs 67million on each Member of Parliament that dies.
A breakdown of expenditure of the Shs67.7m for a dead MP includes; buying a casket at Shs 6m, Shs 5.5m for the grave, Shs4.5m for Order of Service books, Shs15m on feeding mourners and Shs 17.5m on allowances for police.
Government also last month indicated they will foot medical bills for parents to Members of Parliament.