Frustrated by months of missed paychecks, over fifty government secondary school teachers from Hoima City took to the streets. Their chants of "We want our money!" echoed as they marched from Hoima Booma grounds to the city offices.
For some, it had been five long months without a salary, while others hadn't seen a single paycheck in a year. They claimed city leaders and the Ministry of Education did not explain the delays.
Robert Ssebayuza, a teacher at Bwikya Muslim Secondary School, explained their desperation. "We've tried asking for answers in small groups, but nobody listens," he said. "The town clerk keeps dodging us. We had to get loud to get some attention."
Adding insult to injury, they learned teachers in other districts were receiving their salaries on time. This disparity fueled their anger. "Why are we suffering when others are getting paid?" Robert questioned.
Stephen Bigirwa, from Duhaga Secondary School, highlighted another concern. He and others had been transferred from districts where they received salaries, only to face financial hardship in Hoima.
"Did they even know about our situation?" he wondered. "We were patient, but we can't wait any longer."
John Bosco Adiru, his voice heavy with emotion, spoke of the financial strain on his family. "How are we supposed to feed our children and educate them if we're not getting paid?" he tearfully asked.
The teachers stormed the city offices, demanding to see the town clerk, but he was reportedly nowhere to be found.
However, the Hoima city mayor, Brian Kaboyo, intervened. He held a closed-door meeting with the teachers, and although details remain undisclosed, promised their salaries would be paid in full this month, including all arrears.
The mayor acknowledged a shortage of funds but assured the teachers they would be a priority. "We understand your struggles," he said, "and we'll make sure you get paid."
This incident follows a similar one last week when tutors at Bulera Core Primary Teachers College threatened to strike after nine months without pay. It's unclear if their concerns will be addressed along with the secondary school teachers.
