Teachers Warned Against Multiple Borrowing, Illicit Money Lenders

The Kabale District Education Officer (DEO), Moses Bwengye has warned teachers against multiple borrowing of loans from financial institutions and money lenders which he said affects the quality of education offered to students and pupils.

Bwengye made the call yesterday while speaking during the scientific International Teachers’ Day cerebrations for Kabale District under their umbrella association of Uganda National Teachers Union, Kabale, held at Kamuganguzi Janan Luwum Memorial Senior Secondary School in
Kabale district.

The national cerebrations were held at Shimon Core Primary Teachers College in Wakiso. The day was celebrated under the theme of “Teachers: Leading in Crisis, Reimagining the Future”.

Bwengye said that there is much pressure and stress among a section of teachers due to multiple borrowing of loans from money lenders and this caused most of them to abscond from  duty due to fear of being arrested by money lenders when schools were still operating.

“One of the challenges affecting most teachers is multiple loans. You find a teacher that earns Shs 500,000 a month getting loans from as many money lenders as possible. I advise teachers to avoid getting loans from money lenders and stick to reputable banks or the teachers’ SACCO where interests are low because whenever they fail to pay money lenders, their jobs are put in jeopardy.” Bwengye said.

The Chairperson of Uganda National Teachers Union, Kabale Branch
Alfred Katurebe, said that his office receives more than ten
complaints of teachers who have borrowed money from more than one
financial institution which causes discomfort among teachers while
executing their class duties.

Speaking as the guest of honor during the function, the Minister of
State for Planning David Bahati who was represented by the Kabale
District NRM secretary general, Peace Kakira, encouraged teachers to
embrace hard work, resilience, work devotedly and uphold professional
ethics if the academic performance of learners is to be improved.

She also encouraged teachers to be passionate about their work since
it is the best way to help students understand what they are taught.