The Ministry of Education has launched a National Teacher Prize for role model teachers and a Teacher Incentives Framework that is intended to motivate teachers. The incentives initiative was launched at a time when teachers around the country have been complaining of numerous challenges which have led to a loss of morale for many in the profession.

And I must not forget to tell you what you know, that teachers' salaries are up to now unrealistic. Dr. Jane Egau the Commissioner of Teacher Education in the Ministry of Education said the Universal Teacher Incentive Framework will go a long way towards eliminating teacher strikes.“Other than financial you can even say thank you that’s one thing.

The other one, you can write a letter to congratulate someone for the good work done. You can give housing, you can send somebody training abroad.” Said, Dr. Jane Egau – Commissioner Teacher Education, Ministry of Education. “Because when you come up with a teacher’s incentive framework where the emphasis is just only on inspiration, I think that one is not good enough because the main challenges that teachers are faced with are things to do with poor remuneration.” Said, Paul Wabulaka – Teacher, Bulambuli District.

The Minister for Education Janet Museveni instead convinced teachers to adopt a more positive attitude. “But the challenges you have are the challenges of your country. Because your country right now is not where it needs to be. But we thank God that we are where we are because we are moving to where we want to be. And in order to get there, we must make some sacrifices along the way.” Said, Janet Museveni – Minister of Education.

The National Teachers’ Conference is meant to re-ignite the glory of the teaching profession. While many youths see it as a profession that is becoming undesirable, the availability of internet and low pay is continuing to threaten its existence. “Because the children are going to interface first day in class are digital citizens who as we say are born with a tablet in their hands. So a teacher must be ahead of these children.” Said, NyombiThembo – Director, Rural Communication Development Fund UCC. Over 1,000 Education Managers turned up for the two-day conference but they hoped that the status of the teacher's profession can change anytime soon. As rather left many teachers with more questions than answers.