The Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, has announced that all newly recruited government teachers must serve at their initial posting for at least five years before being eligible for transfer.
This policy shift was revealed during the Prime Minister’s Question Time in response to a query from Agnes Kirabo (Youth MP-Central Region), who expressed concerns over the restriction on teacher transfers. i
Kirabo noted that teachers previously had the opportunity to seek transfers after two years, citing personal and professional reasons, including health conditions and challenging work environments.
In defense of the new policy, Nabbanja stated that the move aims to ensure stability in schools, particularly Seed Secondary Schools, which often struggle with teacher retention.
She emphasized that appointment letters for new recruits would clearly outline the five-year requirement to minimize disruptions in the education system.
Meanwhile, Acrobert Kiiza (Bughendera County) sought updates on the construction of Sonk Secondary School and Bukonzo Seed Secondary School in Bundibugyo, which were taken over by the government in 2017 and 2020 but remain in poor conditions.
Patrick Nyanzi (Butemba County) also questioned the delay in establishing vocational institutions in every constituency, a government pledge aimed at addressing high dropout rates and youth unemployment. He cited a Daily Monitor report highlighting that out of 1.8 million learners who enrolled in Primary One in 2012, only 140,000 reached Senior Four by 2024, emphasizing the need for vocational training to bridge the skills gap.
Government’s Response to School Dropout Crisis
Nabbanja urged Parliament to support the President’s initiative to establish skilling centers across Uganda to absorb school dropouts. She also called on leaders and school administrators to eliminate illegal fees in government-aided schools, which she identified as a major factor contributing to the high dropout rate.
The government remains committed to improving education accessibility and teacher retention, but these new policies have sparked debates on balancing teacher welfare with institutional stability.
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Source; Parliamentary Watch
