Bishop of Busoga Diocese Samson Paul Moses Naimanhye has said the government must listen to teachers and address their challenges instead of intimidating or ignoring them, warning that continued neglect could trigger a national education disaster.
Speaking during the blessing of PLE candidates at Kamuli Girls Boarding Primary School on Wednesday, Bishop Naimanhye described the current situation as “appalling, demoralizing, pathetic and deplorable,” predicting that poor handling of teachers’ grievances would lead to the worst exam performance in history.
“We may ignore teachers’ plight, but its effects are going to be glaring. Don’t expect good performance this time, and no one should blame schools when the results come back worst because it is going to be a national disaster and time bomb,” he said.
The Bishop criticized recent remarks by the Resident District Commissioner on teachers’ industrial action, emphasizing that educators are key to sustaining gains under the National Resistance Movement’s Universal Education program.
“As a church and shepherds, we ask government to listen and address the teachers’ plight because they are the ones who have sustained the NRM Universal Education, which gain it is seeking to protect,” he said.
He commended Kamuli Girls headteacher Joy Kasana Muwanika for her leadership, highlighting the church’s role in securing a female headteacher and ensuring quality education despite challenges such as the closure of teacher training colleges.
“Parents are paying for 24 out of 45 teachers here, but in rural schools it is a paradox,” he noted.
On social issues, Bishop Naimanhye condemned teenage pregnancies and child marriages, calling them “unacceptable vices, sins religiously, and abominations culturally,” and urged communities to reinforce parenting and societal values to keep girls in school.
Headteacher Kasana praised the Bishop and church for their guidance, infrastructure development, and advocacy efforts, assuring parents that the school’s 98 PLE candidates are prepared for strong performance.
“Lord Bishop, we treasure your guidance, unwavering faith, and tireless efforts in spearheading collaborative provisions, infrastructure development, spiritual guidance, and stable staff counseling, which have set a firm foundation for the school’s development,” she said.
The blessing event also saw Bishop Naimanhye interact with local officials, including Buyende LCV Sharif Mangaraine, and meet teachers at the school.
