“It is just difficult and dangerous to try to free people that want to remain in slavery as it is to enslave people that want to remain free. Before all else, be armed.” – Niccolò Machiavelli
This story is both touching and painful. A teacher received his salary and boarded a crowded bus back to his home. Unbeknownst to him, there was a thief on the bus. The thief stole the teacher’s money from his pocket.
After the teacher reached his final destination, the driver asked for his fare. The teacher dipped his hand into his pocket and found nothing. His face became flushed, and his tongue felt heavy with embarrassment.
The driver, now angry, said mockingly to the teacher, “Shame on you. You consider yourself a respected person, yet you cannot afford your transport fare!” The teacher felt deeply embarrassed.
As this was unfolding, the thief’s ego was pricked, and he felt compelled to say to the angry driver, “My brother, the teacher’s fare is on me.” The thief offered to pay the teacher’s fare, not out of pity, but to gain the trust and confidence of the other passengers.
The teacher, unaware of the thief’s intentions, smiled and said, “May God bless you and multiply your kind, sir.” Some of the passengers also praised the thief, commending his kindness and praying for him.
Since then, we have witnessed a significant increase in the number of thieves on our bus. They continue to receive our thanks and appreciation.
This is a metaphor for the state of our country, Uganda, and most African countries. The thieves in our bus are increasing because we continue to praise them for returning small portions of the large amounts they steal from us.
If the teacher had been wise, he would have used his instincts and experience to identify the thief or encouraged the other passengers to scrutinize everyone on board to find the thief.
Dear teachers, can you stand your ground and oppose this kind of oppression, exploitation, and injustice? Most especially when our profession is being degraded.
This story morally tells us that teachers must think outside the box by influencing the politics of the country, contesting for political positions, standing their ground, and demanding what is rightfully theirs.
2026 is a year for elections. Teachers, come out and contest or support those who serve your interests. You have students, parents, families, and friends under your influence. Please support your fellow teachers when they come out.
Do us a favor. We can win together.
The writer Mudi Kangave is an author, teacher trainer and National Chairperson, Private Teachers Platform Uganda
Tel: 0776524780
