Economic pressure, stress among leading causes of teachers’ deaths in Uganda – UNATU boss
MASINDI, August 25, 2026 — Economic pressure and work-related stress contributed to the deaths of 535 teachers across Uganda last year, according to Filbert Bates Baguma, General Secretary of the Uganda National Teachers Union [UNATU].
Baguma shared the grim statistics while addressing head teachers from primary and secondary schools in Masindi during a performance management training session at Biija Hotel recently. The training was organised by UNATU.
He attributed the high number of teacher deaths primarily to the economic hardships faced by teachers.
“Throughout last year, 535 teachers died, of whom 412 were male and 123 were female. From this, you can understand the burden male teachers are going through. Wives are pressuring our teachers to live beyond their means,” he said, adding that all the deceased teachers were UNATU members.
Baguma emphasised the need for head teachers to sensitise their staff about living within their means, saying economic pressure had caused many teachers to develop illnesses that eventually claimed their lives.
He also urged teachers and head teachers in Masindi to unite and join the union rather than work in isolation.
“We should stop the issue of saying we are science teachers or teachers of humanities because when a wave comes, it sweeps us all. As school heads, the challenge we have is the responsibility we hold. We are not at ease because everyone right now is mentally affected by what is happening in the country,” he said, calling on head teachers to make defensible decisions.
He said mental health was often ignored, stating that instances whereby school inspectors harass head teachers, head teachers harass teachers, and Resident District Commissioners harass teachers have been reported. He described such actions as unacceptable.
“Some of our members are dying as a result of stress. The emotional and physical fear we [teachers] experience affects us a lot. Many have developed hypertension and diabetes because of the pressure they have to manage schools. Let’s do the right thing at the right time, in the right way and at the right place in order to manage issues which could affect your mental health,” he said.
Baguma also cautioned head teachers against unethical practices, such as inflating student enrolment figures.
“If the school has 200 learners, let it be. Why add 150 learners who do not exist? Let’s not give ourselves the burden of forging these simple things because they do not add anything to you,” he warned.
He further advised head teachers to improve school performance and ensure proper record management.
Sam Ayebale Peter, the Principal Education Officer for Masindi Municipality, expressed concern over the increasing humiliation of members of the teaching fraternity.
“Teachers are getting humiliated in front of their clients as if they are not professionals. It’s very sad,” Ayebale said, noting that although they were not opposed to the fight against corruption, such actions could make teachers fearful of leading schools.
He said authorities sometimes acted on rumours, resulting in what he described as unacceptable humiliation of teachers.
“Enrolment has never been stable; today I may register a bigger number and tomorrow a smaller number. As a union, look into this and understand it better,” Ayebale said.
He also challenged teachers and head teachers in Masindi to always adhere to the Education Act in whatever action they take.
Ayebale highlighted the inadequacy of government grants to schools, saying even the government knew that the funds sent to schools were insufficient, but some officials were failing to understand the challenges this created.
“As education heads at different levels, we are continuing to agitate for the good and we shall not stop,” he affirmed.
However, he warned head teachers against expelling learners for failing to pay school charges.
“These children shouldn’t be subjected to being chased away because they are never part of the decision taken. Don’t punish learners by chasing them away,” he said, calling on UNATU leaders to organise such engagements annually to provide continuous guidance and reminders.
Edward Kiirya, the Deputy District Education Officer for Masindi district, challenged head teachers to ensure proper accountability for school resources.
The head teachers were also introduced to various digital platforms providing guidelines, updated Public Service Standing Orders and other information to support informed decision-making.
They were guided on improving performance, with emphasis on proper work planning, monitoring, assessment, review and evaluation, as well as the implementation of appropriate sanctions and rewards in their schools.
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
