MPs Debate National Teachers’ Bill – All Teachers Required to have Degree

Parliament’s Committee on Education and Sports has proposed that only holders of a Bachelor’s degree in education or a relevant field, along with a postgraduate diploma in education, qualify for registration as teachers at pre-primary, primary, and secondary school levels.

This recommendation is outlined in the committee’s report on the National Teachers’ Bill, 2023, presented by Chairperson Hon. James Kubeketerya during a plenary session on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.

“The committee observes that the Bill aims to regulate and standardize the teaching profession, and requiring a Bachelor’s degree for teachers will significantly contribute to achieving this goal,” Kubeketerya stated.

The Bill also seeks to establish a National Teachers’ Council (NTC) as a corporate body to oversee the teaching profession. However, the committee called for a revision of the council’s composition, noting that it is dominated by members not actively engaged in teaching.

“Only three out of the seven council members are actively teaching, which does not reflect balanced representation,” Kubeketerya added.

The committee further recommended amending Clause 10 of the Bill to mandate collaboration between the NTC and other agencies, such as the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC). This would ensure coordinated efforts in teacher training, accreditation, and professional development.

However, the committee opposed a proposed one-year internship for teachers, arguing that it is unfair to require this after completing both a degree and school practice. “Teachers should only be required to undertake teaching and school practice, as the additional year of training is unnecessary,” Kubeketerya said.

Minority Report Challenges Degree Requirement

In a minority report, Hon. Joseph Ssewungu (NUP, Kalungu West) opposed the mandatory degree qualification for teachers. He urged the government to support teachers in gradually upgrading their qualifications and to bear the costs involved.

“Teachers should not be compelled by law to have a degree. The government should instead encourage gradual upgrades while improving their working conditions,” Ssewungu said.

He also criticized the establishment of the NTC, citing the government’s ongoing rationalization of agencies to reduce public expenditure. “Instead of creating a council, funds should be directed to district inspection departments to supervise teachers effectively,” he argued.

Government Defends the Bill

Minister of State for Education and Sports (Higher Education), Hon. Chrysostom Muyingo, defended the Bill, describing it as a solution to persistent challenges in the teaching profession.

“The Bill addresses issues such as absenteeism, low qualifications, and lack of regulation, while professionalizing teaching to improve teacher management and development,” Muyingo said.

He added that the proposed changes are part of an orderly transition to raise standards and enhance education quality in Uganda.

Broader Impact

The Bill has sparked debate over balancing higher standards in education with equitable access to teaching opportunities and adequate government support. MPs will continue to scrutinize its provisions as they shape the future of the teaching profession in Uganda.