Rukungiri Schools Hire Private Teachers to Coach P.7 Pupils Amid Nationwide Teachers’ Strike

Rukungiri: As Humanity teachers continue with their countrywide strike over salary increment, government-aided schools in Rukungiri District have resorted to hiring private teachers to help Primary Seven pupils prepare for their Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE).

The industrial action, which began on September 15, 2025, stems from teachers’ long-standing demand for a salary increase. The strike has left over 818,000 pupils across the country uncertain as they prepare for the national exams.

A survey conducted by our reporter in several schools across Rukungiri District revealed that no government teachers were present to attend to pupils. At Nyabiteete Primary School in Nyabiteete Parish, Buyanja Sub-county, only Primary Seven pupils were found at the school — being taught by a private teacher hired by parents.

Rev. Canon David Kahindi, the Chairperson of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) at Nyabiteete Primary School, said parents decided to hire a private teacher because their children should not suffer due to the ongoing strike.

> “We realized our children would go for exams without enough preparation, so we decided to bring in a private teacher. Pupils are not part of the strike, and they should not be penalized,” said Rev. Kahindi.

CUE IN….REV KAHINDI…RR

At Kasheshe Primary School in Kasheshe Parish, Buyanja Sub-county, only Primary Seven pupils were found in class. Out of 36 pupils enrolled in P.7, only 23 attended lessons. Some pupils reportedly transferred to private schools, while others stayed home idle in the villages.

During a visit to the school, some parents who had come to check on the situation expressed concern about the ongoing strike.

Deusidedit Kantunda, a parent at Kasheshe Primary School, appealed to the government to increase teachers’ salaries so they can return to class.

> “Our children have missed a lot during this strike. The government should improve teachers’ salaries so they can come back and teach,” Kantunda said.

CUE IN….KANTUNDA…RR

The strike continues to disrupt learning across the country as the PLE examinations draw closer, leaving parents and pupils anxious about the future.