Avoid Money Lenders, Masindi Teachers Urged

Masindi District | THE BLACK EXAMINER | Sam Peter Ayebale, the Principal Education Officer of Masindi Municipality, has issued a call to teachers in Masindi district, urging them to establish Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) at the school level. His aim is to protect them from exploitation by money lenders and traditional financial institutions such as banks.

Ayebale emphasized that rather than resorting to money lenders, teachers should consider utilizing SACCOs, which offer more favorable interest rates. These remarks were made during the World Teachers’ Day celebration for Masindi, which took place at the Country Inn in Masindi town yesterday.

World Teachers’ Day, celebrated under the theme “The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage,” falls on the 5th of October each year and serves to honor the contributions of teachers.

Additionally, Ayebale encouraged teachers to manage their finances responsibly, as some are currently absent from their duties due to excessive loans from financial institutions. He also commended the government for its investment in the Teachers’ SACCO, noting that it has improved access to loans for educators.

President Museveni, while presiding over the national World Teachers’ Day celebration in Kampala on Thursday, pledged to inject an additional Shs 9 billion into the Teachers’ SACCOs, building upon his 2011 commitment of Shs 25 billion.

Adolf Kato, the District Inspector of Schools in Masindi, called upon the government to create a favorable environment for teachers.

Aled Ronald Akugizibwe, the Member of Parliament for Buruli county, urged Teachers’ SACCO managers to consistently offer teachers loans at lower interest rates.

Florence Asiimwe, the Woman Member of Parliament for Masindi district, issued a warning to teachers about maintaining professionalism in their roles.

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