Sheema, Dec 31, 2025 —
In a rare and powerful show of humility and leadership, Sheema County South Member of Parliament, Prof. Elijah Dickens Mushemeza, has issued a heartfelt public apology to teachers across Uganda — an act that has been widely praised by educators, political analysts, and community members alike.
In a video statement released on his social media platforms, Prof. Mushemeza retracted and clarified comments he made during the 2022 teachers’ strike, acknowledging that his words, though unintentional, hurt many within the teaching profession.
“I have decided to withdraw the statement I made sometime back in relation to salary enhancement for teachers,” he said. “I have realized that the statements I made hurt many people, especially teachers. I am a teacher myself, I have taught many people, I have schools where I employ teachers and support the teaching profession.”
Prof. Mushemeza, a distinguished academic and long-serving educator, emphasized that his earlier comments stemmed from his personal experience at Makerere University, where he witnessed the toll prolonged strikes can have. He stressed that his remarks were never meant to demean teachers or undermine their right to demand better wages.
“I therefore apologize to the teachers. I am also forgiving all those who have been abusing me on social media over the statement,” he added, underlining his commitment to reconciliation and mutual respect.
A respected voice in education and leadership
Prof. Mushemeza is not just a politician — he is a scholar, educator, and community leader whose legacy in the education sector spans decades. His own schools have provided jobs for teachers and education for countless students, underscoring his unwavering belief in the transformative power of education.
By publicly owning his words and making amends, Prof. Mushemeza has demonstrated what many view as true leadership — the kind that listens, learns, and evolves.
Teachers Respond: “It Takes a Great Man to Apologize”
Across Sheema and other regions, teachers have received the apology with appreciation and grace.
“This is a very good statement. I have forgiven him,” said Mr. Muhwezi John, a senior teacher in Sheema South. “Mushemeza has supported us, and I think that statement was quoted out of context. Now that he has retracted it, we will all go behind him as our area MP.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that such openness to dialogue and reflection is rare in public leadership.
“It takes courage and humility to say ‘I was wrong,’ and that’s what Prof. Mushemeza has shown. As teachers, we appreciate that.”
Political Rivals Rattled
Prof. Mushemeza’s apology has also had a ripple effect on the political landscape. For months, his opponents had weaponized the 2022 statement as a campaign tool. They composed songs, ran targeted messages, and sought to portray him as anti-teacher.
But with his dignified and well-received apology, that narrative has now collapsed.
“They have been disarmed,” one local political observer noted. “They built their campaigns around that statement. Now that he’s shown integrity and the teachers have accepted his apology, they are confused on what to do next.”
A Path Forward
With renewed support from educators and a community that values accountability, Prof. Mushemeza stands even taller — not just as an MP, but as a national example of how leaders should engage with their constituents.
In a country where public apologies are rare, this moment marks a turning point — a reminder that true strength lies not in always being right, but in having the courage to make things right.
As the year ends, Sheema looks toward the future with renewed hope, and with a leader who has not only heard the people, but answered them with grace, humility, and unwavering commitment.
