Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister for ICT and Information, has called on parents and teachers to ignore social media calls advising against the reporting to schools on February 5, 2023.
Baryomunsi addressed concerns raised by teacher’s unions circulating warnings of potential industrial action over welfare issues to journalists at the Uganda Media Center, on Tuesday.
Baryomunsi revealed that the salary enhancement process for all civil servants is already underway, initially focusing on scientists, including science teachers and health workers, due to resource constraints and the vital role of science in socio-economic transformation.
“But let me say this for the umpteenth time that the government is committed to enhancing the pay of all public servants, teachers inclusive, Arts and Humanities are equally important.” he said.
Baryomunsi also clarified that the government would address salaries for Arts and Humanities in the second phase of enhancements.” he said
He called on teacher’s unions to engage in civilized discussions instead of playing school politics, urging head teachers and school managers to resume normal activities when schools reopen.
“I appeal to leaders of teacher’s unions and associations to engage government in a civilized manner instead of resorting to disruptive activities,” said Baryomunsi.
The situation arises from a flyer on social media, allegedly from the Uganda National Teachers Association (UNATU), declaring a nationwide strike from February 5, 2024. However, UNATU’s General Secretary, Filbert Baguma, has since dismissed the letter, insisting the association did not originate the announcement. He further urged the public to disregard it.
Baguma said ongoing negotiations with the government regarding salary increases persist.
