Female teachers in Uganda have been urged to engage in income-generating activities beyond their teaching salaries to secure financial independence and improve their livelihoods.
The advice came from Workers’ Representative in Parliament, Agnes Kunihira Abwoli, during celebrations organised by the Uganda Professional Science Teachers’ Union (UPSTU) in Kampala as female science teachers marked International Women’s Day.
Addressing teachers from across the country, Abwoli emphasised the importance of women having personal financial resources.
“It is very important for women to have some money in their pockets because it helps them support their families and raise their children in a better way,” she said.
She encouraged teachers not to rely solely on their teaching salaries but to start small businesses or other income-generating projects that could provide both current and future financial security.
“I encourage you to start small businesses or other activities that can bring in extra income so that you do not rely only on your teaching salary,” Abwoli added.
Abwoli also called on school proprietors to create supportive workplaces for female teachers, including breastfeeding spaces, allowing mothers to care for their children while continuing their professional duties.
“Women have the right to give birth and breastfeed their children even while working. Schools should therefore provide special spaces where mothers can comfortably breastfeed their babies,” she said.
She further encouraged teachers to utilise the savings and credit opportunities offered by their SACCO under UPSTU to access loans that can help start businesses and expand financial independence.
The International Women’s Day celebrations, held under the theme “Scaling Up Investment to Accelerate Access to Justice for All,” brought together female science teachers from across Uganda to discuss challenges in their profession and strategies for personal and professional growth.
Participants received training in leadership, financial management and other professional skills aimed at empowering them both at work and in their personal lives.
The National Chairperson of UPSTU, Vincent Erong, highlighted the role of teachers in national development.
“This day helps us remind our teachers about the important role they play in educating the nation and shaping the future of Uganda,” Erong said.
He urged teachers to continue dedicating themselves to educating young Ugandans and encouraged them to upgrade their academic qualifications to increase their leadership opportunities and access higher positions in the country.
