Mp Itungo Raises Alarm on Imminent Crisis as 5000 Teachers Seek Early Retirement.

KAMPALA -UGANDA: The Kashari South Mp Nathan Twesigye Itungo has raised alarm on looming crisis in the education sector after over 5000 teachers reportedly applied for early retirement.

As one of the means to boost performance in science subjects, the government increased post primary science teachers’ salaries by 300% . This adjustment saw Grade V and Graduate science teachers’ salaries rise to three million and four million shillings, respectively, up from 796,000 and 1.1 million shillings.

However, raising the matter of concern at the floor of the Parliament on Thursday, Itungo said that the decision of Legislators to support the enhancement of science Teachers salaries alone, leaving out Arts teachers has backfired, because it is one of the key reasons for teachers seeking early retirement.

“When we pass resolutions as Parliament and there is some sound that backfires, it comes back to us. There is a recommendation here which we passed about the science teachers and their enhancement, and as I speak now, over 5000 teachers have applied for early retirement,” said Itungo Nathan.

Recent reports have suggested that following their pay rise, science teachers are opting for early retirement which is enticed by retirement benefits that exceed the current salaries of arts teachers.

While speaking to the press recently, Peace Barungi, the Mitooma District education officer, indicated that the early retirement of science teachers is a direct result of the recent salary enhancement. She explained that those seeking early retirement are scheming to receive a substantial payout in gratuity. Barungi added that they are also confident of a monthly pension which is higher than the salaries of active arts teachers, exacerbating the situation.