education 28 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Faces Teacher Shortage Crisis as Departures Outpace Hiring - UNATU Warns
Uganda is experiencing a rapid loss of teachers exceeding replacement rates, resulting in unattended classes and compromised education quality, according to the Uganda National Teachers' Union (UNATU). The union blames insufficient funding, low salaries, and poor working conditions for the high attrition. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-losing-teachers-at-high-rate-unatu-5405878
Uganda’s education system is grappling with a severe teacher shortage, as departures outpace new hires, leaving many classrooms without instructors. The Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) highlighted this issue during a stakeholders’ meeting in Kampala on March 27.
UNATU Secretary General Filbert Baguma reported that the union lost 535 members in 2025, including 412 men, with additional exits via retirement or abandonment. He noted that replacements are delayed due to funding shortages, directly harming student learning outcomes and exam performance.
Baguma linked teacher deaths and frustrations to financial pressures from low salaries and heavy family responsibilities. The 2026 UNESCO report revealed Uganda’s education spending dropped to 6.6% of public expenditure in 2024/25, well below the 15-20% recommended level, affecting staffing, infrastructure, and resources.
Regional challenges exacerbate the problem, particularly in hard-to-reach areas with poor facilities, as noted by Equal Opportunities Commission spokesperson Yusuf Muziransa. These conditions hinder retention and consistent education delivery.
Kalungu West MP Joseph Ssewungu, Shadow Minister for Education, slammed the government for ignoring budget increase requests and allowing private sector dominance, which threatens affordable access for vulnerable students.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)