Filbert Bates Baguma is the general secretary of Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) who has been in office since 1st April 2018. He has been has been working with UNATO since it started way back in 2003. Before, he completely took on office at UNATU; he was a head teacher of Murambo Primary school in the current Rubanda district which was part of Kabale district. We caught up with him for a chat and below is the excerpt.
Who is Mr Baguma?
I am a teacher by profession. I have been in this profession for the last 24 years and proud to say that I am among the founders of the union. I have served UNATU at many levels. I started as a branch Chairperson in Kabale, then came to the National Executive council, representing the primary sector, the regional coordinator for south Western regional, the Programs Officer in charge of labour relations, later alone to deputy general secretary and now general secretary where I replaced Mr Tweyambe James.
Most people think that UNATU is majorly to fight for the salaries of teachers, what other functions does the union play as far as teachers are concerned?
The operations of the labour union may not be clear to all stake holders because the level of interactions but as a union we stand to protect the rights and welfare of teachers. UNATU also ensures to improve education and learning environment for students. We have interventions that tackle child labour where we sensitize local leaders and parents that children are supposed to be in school not working. We have Teachers action for girls, an intervention that addresses early marriages and ensures that the school environment in not a push factor for girls to leave school.
Do you think that boys are marginalised when it comes to most of these interventions?
Well, when take on some of these activities, it does not mean boys are completely left out. We usually take on boys much as they have to appreciate the challenges that girls go through. So we bring in males in these activities to help them understand the girl child issues.
When it comes to cases of misconduct among teachers, how does the union go about that?
We have a professional code of conduct which is very clear to every teacher and ensure they are aware of the regulations. As a union, we do not defend such unethical conduct of teachers. We highly condemn such acts of unprofessionalism. When it happens, the law must take its course.
What other organisations do you work with to improve and promote well teaching and learning environment?
We have UNESCO on board, which helps us organise social dialogues, Education International and RTZ which comes in with programs on child labour, The Canadian Teachers Federation then now International Labour organisation who are interested in education among refugees.
About the female teachers bursaries, aren’t males supposed to gain from this program?
So far this depends on the organisation that is sponsoring the program. For example the reason is that there are few females in leadership and empowering them may increase the number of females in these big positions.
There were reports that the Teachers Sacco had run out of funds, how true was that and what’s the mode of operation of this Sacco?
The Sacco has never run out of funds though the fact is that the funds which are there are not enough to cater for the demands of the members. To access these funds, you must be a member. The Sacco’s funds are teachers’ savings and the rest is given by the government.
How does one become a UNATU member?
We have a membership form which every qualified teacher fills and it is submitted to the ministry of public service where this teacher is coded as a member of UNATU.
What’s your say on the idea of science teachers to get more salary than arts teachers?
These teachers have the same qualifications. If I am good at English and someone else is good at biology, that does not make them a better teacher than me. That is like divide and rule and creates a norm of discrimination which at the end of the day affects the learners. There are other methods that can be used to motivate the science teachers than this. It is unfortunate that some people are giving misleading ideas.
There are external pressures where some leaders blame the teachers for poor performance, case in point in Nakaseke district where District Chairperson suggested that the teachers should re sit PLE, is that relevant to you?
The issues that affect performance are not a sole responsibility of teachers, these blame games must stop. Leaders need to consider many factors, like have they gone to schools to see if the learning conditions are conducive, if others are performing better, what is being done, are the learners having lunch or scholastic materials? The issue is not PLE, the issue is, are all stake holders doing their work?
With the rampart kidnappings in the country, what do you advice to parents whose children are found on the road at 5am going to school?
The problem here again is enforcement because the law clearly states that public institutions official opening time is 8am, but there is loophole in enforcing and making sure that students go to school at the safest time. It is up to the parents to ensure that their children are safe while going to school, they can escort them to school or wait till it’s safe. Parents should not just send off children to school, it is their duty to follow up to know if these children are safe, they should not leave this task entirely to the teachers.
By Justine Namara
