Bursars decry marginalisation, demand reforms

Bursars in government-aided secondary schools and tertiary institutions across Uganda are protesting what they see as systemic marginalization within the education sector.

At the Eastern Regional Bursars Annual General Meeting in Mbale city, members called for structural and salary reforms, asserting that their crucial contributions to school financial management are undervalued.

Despite significant responsibilities in maintaining accurate accounting records and overseeing school finances, bursars report being excluded from salary increment schemes that benefit teachers. Henry Katonto Tsaga, the newly elected chairperson of the Eastern Bursars Association, expressed frustration.

"We can call ourselves marginalized because even where there are salary increments for teachers in the schools where we work, bursars are never considered."

Frances Akiteng, the bursar of Mukongoro High School, noted that bursars handle a wide range of essential finance-related roles, from recording transactions to planning and managing budgets, procurement, and preparing reports, etc.

"We also assist the government in tax matters, specifically in deducting and returning taxes, including withholding tax and PAYE (Pay As You Earn) to URA," she said.

“Despite this, after 15 years of service, I earn a take-home pay of only 493,000 shillings far below a primary teacher’s salary.” Akiteng lamented that bursars are at the station all week, with some managing budgets totaling billions.

Besides, career growth opportunities for bursars remain stagnant. In many institutions, including those with over 5,000 students, the singular slot available is that of a senior accounts assistant, often with a gross salary not exceeding 600,000 Ugandan shillings.

Nkoma SS for instance has close to 7000 students equivalent to seven normal schools.

The lack of recognition for bursars’ advanced educational qualifications compounds their disenfranchisement. Many bursars hold advanced degrees and professional certifications yet receive salaries equivalent to diploma holders. This neglect diminishes motivation and job satisfaction and impacts workplace performance.

Joy Tamwesaiza, a senior human resource officer in the Ministry of Public Service, acknowledged bursars' plight, suggesting a structural review to create accountant positions (to supervise the senior accounts assistant) in larger schools to address these issues.

The bursars' demands underscore the need for equity and recognition within Uganda’s educational support staff.