UNATU strike begins
Teachers across Public schools have laid down their tools, as UNATU launches a full-scale strike over unpaid unequal pay between science and arts teachers.
UNATU Secretary General Filbert Baguma told the press that teachers have been taken for granted for three long years. “Back in July 2022, the President told us to wait. We waited patiently and religiously. Nothing has come. Enough is enough” he said.
Baguma slammed the government for holding meetings that excluded UNATU while promising vague salary reviews.
“When we write as UNATU, we expect feedback as UNATU. You cannot say you have spoken in general terms and that solves our issues. We were told to wait and we have waited for three years” he said
The union chief stressed that this strike is not just another routine protest but the result of repeated failures by government to fulfill promises. “Whenever teachers go for industrial action, it means all other options have been exhausted. Enough is enough is the voice from teachers across the country,” Baguma said.
Meanwhile, in July a section of teachers under another umbrella group Uganda Professional Humanities Teachers’ Union (UPHTU) called off their strike after a fruitful July meeting with the President, where government assured phased salary enhancements and inclusion of unresolved grievances in the Budget Framework Paper.
UPHTU suspended its three-week strike following a high-stakes meeting with President Yoweri Museveni where key resolutions were agreed to boost teacher welfare.
UPHTU President, Akello Teopista, told journalists that the President personally reviewed all 107 pages of the union’s resolutions and gave clear directives to address the teachers’ demands.
Among the game-changing decisions: All teachers will now enjoy a 20% tax break on their gross pay, meaning more money in their pockets. A negotiable pay rise of 25% will be included in the September 2025 Budget Framework Paper for FY 2026/2027, giving teachers hope for fairer remuneration.
UNATU strike begins
UGX 20 billion SACCO fund: Specifically for Arts teachers, this fund aims to provide loans and financial support for members’ welfare and personal projects. Children of Arts teachers are set to benefit from free university and tertiary education, easing the burden on hardworking parents.
To help teachers struggling with rent and transport costs, government has promised to build staff housing in schools.
Akello Teopista praised the unity and support of UPHTU members during the industrial action, which she said was key to getting government attention. “Our members showed incredible dedication, and the President listened. These resolutions mark a major victory for Arts teachers,” she said.
The union has called on members to remain patient and united while the government implements the directives. The message is clear: teachers’ voices were heard, and change is finally coming.
Some parents have sympathized with the teachers’ plight but warn of repercussions for learners who are about to do final exams this term . “I understand they want fair pay, but our children’s education is being affected. I hope the government acts fast,” said James Okello, a parent of three children in public schools.
Headteachers also weighed in, calling for urgent dialogue. “We respect the teachers’ concerns, but prolonged absence from school will have a severe impact on learning. We urge both sides to find a solution quickly,” said a teacher at Kanyanya Primary School.
As UNATU members remain out of classrooms, Baguma warned that the strike will continue until salary discrepancies are addressed and teachers’ demands met.
“This is not a threat. This is the voice of teachers saying we will no longer be ignored,” he said.
