The State of Teachers: Motivation, welfare and the daily struggle

What the report says

The Independent Uganda reports that Uganda’s teachers are under pressure from low pay, heavy workloads and difficult working conditions, with the issue highlighted around World Teachers’ Day. The story centers on Godlive Baguma, a private primary school teacher in Nansana, near Kampala, whose monthly salary is quickly absorbed by rent, food, transport, school fees and support for family. His situation is presented as typical of many teachers who struggle to make ends meet while handling large class-related tasks such as marking and lesson preparation.

The article cites education advocates, union leaders and a parent to show that the profession’s status remains mixed. Suzan Alum of the Private Teachers’ Union says there has been some progress in recognizing teachers, but many still face low pay and poor conditions. Damon Wamara, an education and child rights advocate, argues that teacher welfare is directly linked to education quality. The report also notes that private-school teachers can be especially vulnerable because some are paid per lesson, lack formal contracts, and may receive no pay during holidays or periods without classes.

To provide context, the article references Uganda’s 2025 Education Statistical Abstract, which shows large numbers of teachers and high pupil-teacher ratios, especially in government primary schools. It also points to earlier findings from the UNESCO-supported TISSA report, which described widespread dissatisfaction among primary teachers. The piece says Uganda has introduced policies and reforms, including a National Teacher Policy and a Teacher Incentive Framework, but asks whether these measures are reaching classrooms in a meaningful way.