May 20, 2023
The Uganda Professional Science Teachers Union (UPSTU) has appealed to the government to provide protective wear to sustain the growing number of scientists. The union’s secretary general, Aron Mugaiga, noted that since the government enhanced salaries for science teachers, student performance has improved with female students now outperforming their male counterparts in science subjects .
“Safety First: Science Teachers Appeal to Government for Protective Wear & Tools”
Speaking during the union’s third delegates’ annual general meeting in Kampala on April 11, 2026, Mugaiga emphasized that working in laboratories carries inherent risks. To sustain the development of scientists, the government should ease taxation on protective wear and tools used in science work. He commended the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) report, which confirmed improved science performance at both UCE and UACE levels .
Vincent Elong, national chairman of UPSTU, reported that union membership has risen to 15,000 since its registration in 2021 an uncommon achievement for a young union. He further noted that the union has already purchased a storied building at Makerere University and plans to construct regional offices to reduce rental expenses .
Why This Matters for USRAWU Members:
- Workplace safety is a cross-cutting issue affecting all science professionals—from teachers to laboratory researchers
- The success of UPSTU demonstrates what specialized unions can achieve through collective action
- USRAWU advocates for similar protective measures for its members in research institutions and laboratories
