CEES Researchers seek to evaluate impact of salary disparities on Education

During the teachers’ retreat at the State House in 2017, President Museveni promised to increase the salaries of Science teachers. However, his directive was only implemented in 2021. The 300 percent pay rise resulted in a graduate and Grade V teachers’ pay increase to Shs4 million and Shs3m, up from Shs1.1million and Shs796,000 respectively. This increase, however, meant that their counterparts, the Arts Teachers, did not receive a pay increase. The teachers, under their umbrella organization, Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU), petitioned the president to increase the salaries of the Arts teachers, arguing that the disparities would affect motivation of other teachers, but government is yet to act on this. This policy decision has sparked discussions surrounding its implications for educational equity, teacher morale, and the broader dynamics within secondary schools.

It is against this background that researchers from the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) have set out to study the impact of differential salary increments on secondary school teachers in Uganda.

The Principal Investigator (PI), Ms. Nuluyati Nalwadda. Mak-RIF-funded study of the impact of differential salary increments on secondary school teachers in Uganda, project launch, March 2024, AVU Conference Room, College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Principal Investigator (PI), Ms. Nuluyati Nalwadda.

Speaking during the launch of the project study, the Principal Investigator, Ms. Nuluyati Nalwadda said the study seeks to analyze the impact of differential salary increments on secondary school teachers, examine the psychological effects, attitudes, and perceptions of science and arts teachers, understand the potential implications for teacher motivation, job satisfaction, and service delivery, and also provide valuable insights to inform policy discussions and interventions. Ultimately, this research aims to improve the overall quality of education for students by addressing these critical factors in teacher effectiveness and well-being.

The Principal of CEES, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, congratulated the research team upon winning the MAK RIF grant and for their dedication and commitment to enhancing education outcomes. He urged them to ensure they publish their findings, make new research connections, apply for new grants, and engage the Ministry of Education and Sports. He advised the research team to study the different categories of schools, gender and the effect of these disparities on families. He asked them to be thorough in their research and consider all possible implications. He informed staff that the college had dedicated some resources to help advance research in the different schools. He emphasized the importance of this research in shaping future educational policies.

Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga (Right) and Ms. Harriet Adong (Left). Mak-RIF-funded study of the impact of differential salary increments on secondary school teachers in Uganda, project launch, March 2024, AVU Conference Room, College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Ms. Harriet Adong, who represented the Chair of the Grants Management Committee, Prof. Fred Masagazi, urged the staff to use the grant resources for the purpose the funds were meant for. She encouraged them to continue applying for grants, saying the sixth call for RIF would soon come out.

She also called for timely accountability of funds and adherence to the grant guidelines. She stressed the importance of documenting the research processes and sharing findings with the public to ensure transparency and foster collaboration within the scientific community.

The research team. Mak-RIF-funded study of the impact of differential salary increments on secondary school teachers in Uganda, project launch, March 2024, AVU Conference Room, College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The research team.

The Deputy Principal, Prof. Ronald Bisaso, also congratulated the team and thanked RIF for the generous support in funding their research project. He also emphasized the importance of continuing to strive for excellence in research and innovation. Citing the 49 RIF grants that college staff have won over the last 5 years, Prof. Bisaso called for more collaboration among staff. “We hope the results of the study will inform government policy, grow larger research teams, and contribute to the development of the country,” he said. The project launch was also attended by the Dean School of Distance and Life Long Learning, Dr. Harriet Nabushawo and the Head of the Department of Adult and Community Education, Dr. Stella Achen who congratulated the research team upon winning the grant.

The Research Team

  1. Ms. Nuluyati Nalwadda
  2. Mr. Joseph Watuleke
  3. Mr. Simon Peter Mabongo
  4. Mr. Lawrence Karyowa

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