Grade III teachers given four-year ultimatum to attain degrees

Zombo education officials have urged Grade III teachers to upgrade to bachelor’s degrees as Uganda’s National Teacher Policy transition deadline approaches.

Zombo, Uganda: Education authorities in Zombo District have intensified calls for primary school teachers holding Grade III certificates to upgrade to bachelor’s degree level, as Uganda moves closer to full implementation of the National Teacher Policy.

The policy, approved by Cabinet in April 2019, seeks to professionalize the teaching profession by setting a Bachelor’s degree in Education (or its equivalent) as the minimum qualification for teachers at pre-primary, primary and secondary levels. It gradually phases out lower-tier qualifications such as the Grade III Certificate and Grade V Diploma.

Zombo District Assistant Education Officer Bikadhu Patrick Othuma issued the latest appeal during a graduation ceremony at Life Concern Skilling Centre in Paidha Town Council.

“We are remaining with only four years. Our Grade III teachers, I am calling on you to upgrade earlier so that you are not phased out in the near future. Use this chance to upgrade such that you are not affected by government policy,” Othuma said.

Although the National Teacher Policy initially provided a 10-year grace period for in-service teachers to upgrade, officials note that implementation timelines have since been streamlined, leaving limited time for compliance.

Teachers in Zombo now have increased access to upgrading programmes through a Kyambogo University Learning Centre established at the former Paidha Primary Teachers’ College.

The centre, officially handed over in March 2024, offers in-service external programmes tailored for certificate and diploma holders seeking bachelor’s degrees in education. District leaders say the facility reduces travel costs and logistical barriers that previously hindered teachers in West Nile from pursuing further studies.

Zombo District Speaker Hassan Ringtho, a former teacher, encouraged educators to take advantage of the opportunity before policy enforcement tightens.

Zombo operates 92 public primary schools, where the majority of teachers hold Grade III qualifications — a trend that mirrors national statistics.

According to Ministry of Education baseline data from 2020, about 180,000 teachers nationwide were qualified at diploma level or below, including approximately 126,000 Grade III certificate holders — representing nearly two-thirds of the primary school teaching workforce.

Despite the push for professionalization, many teachers cite financial constraints, low salaries and family responsibilities as major barriers to upgrading.

“I would wish to go back for upgrade, but the salary is small. I have children to pay for. That has delayed me,” one teacher from Paidha Town Council said anonymously.

Another teacher noted that while the Kyambogo study centre brings hope, salary increments remain critical.

“We shall upgrade now with the introduction of the study centre here, but we request government to first work on our salary increment,” the teacher said.

Reports by organizations such as UNICEF have consistently identified affordability as a major obstacle to tertiary education advancement in Uganda. Additionally, a 2019 Enjuba report indicated that 89 percent of teachers entered the profession as a last resort, with 37 percent expressing intentions to leave, citing low pay and high upgrading costs.