Professional ethics in primary schools in Uganda: a case study of selected schools in Kampala and Kiboga districts.

Abstract

This study is on professional ethics in primary schools in Uganda. It uses a case study of selected primary schools in Kampala and Kiboga districts. This study comes against a backdrop of increasing unethical conduct/behaviours exhibited by the teaching professionals in primary schools. This study aimed at enhancing commitment, dedication and efficiency of services among the primary teaching professionals by formulating a set of ethical standards. This study employed a case study design, and applied data collection methods such as the use of questionnaires and conducting of face to face interviews in order to elicit responses from respondents. The data collected from the field was entered and analyzed using a statistical program called Statistical Program for Social Scientists (SPSS). The study revealed that teachers are not knowledgeable about their Code of Ethics which leaves them in oblivion on what is required of them in the teaching profession. The study recommends that primary school teachers be sensitized, and counseled on the need for being disciplined. Every primary school teacher should be given a printed copy of the professional code of conduct with respect to his/her work and made aware of what is required of him or her. Secondly, there is need for regular parents- community-school authorities interface to ensure that they know and appreciate the need for good discipline. Lastly, the entire community should work for integral training which should start from the smallest unit which is a home to communities, then institution. With such a setting the society will raise honest people who are dedicated to work. And in conclusion the whole population should join hands in order for Uganda to adopt the culture of integrity.