Teachers under their umbrella body Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) have announced country wide strike starting Monday 15th September as schools begin third term.
In a meeting held in Kampala teachers resolved to go on strike following failure by government to negotiate fair salary increase for three years
“We have decided to take industrial action effective Monday 15th September.The decision follows back-to-back meetings held by UNATU’s National Executive Council (NEC) on 10th September and Branch Chairpersons on 11th September.”UNATU General Secretary, Filbert Baguma said amidst thunderous support from district leaders.
Baguma explained that action is in response to what it describes as the Government’s “continued silence” on the issue of salary enhancement for teachers who were excluded from the 2022/2023 financial year increments.
“This industrial action is not political. It is a lawful and peaceful demand for fairness,” Baguma Filbert stressed.
He emphasized that teachers most affected are those in Primary and Post Primary schools and education institutions who did not benefit from the salary enhancements implemented in the 2022/2023 financial year. The union argues that while some teachers have received pay increases of up to 300%, a significant number have been left behind.
“Wemade several attempts to engage government through official channels including the Office of the President, the Office of the Head of Public Service, and relevant ministries but no meaningful progress has been made. The union also petitioned the Equal Opportunities Commission but failed to get feedback to date,”Baguma stated.
UNATU suspended a similar strike in July 2022, on the understanding that the Government would address the salary disparities through negotiations however three years later that promise remains unfulfilled.
“Teachers have waited patiently amidst many challenges. Government has not taken any step to resolve the matter. Under such circumstances, withdrawal of labour remains the only solution,” Baguma explained.
According to the Industrial action ,all UNATU members in the affected categories have been directed not to report to work when the school term opens. The industrial action will continue indefinitely — until the Government takes “concrete and verifiable steps” to resolve the issue.
Tumuhimbise Zaddock UNATU National Chairperson has urged all affected teachers to remain home and let their silence speak louder than unheeded petitions.
The Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) is a large, independent trade union for teachers in Uganda, established in 2003 from a merger of two previous teacher associations. Its main goals are to advocate for improved social, economic, and professional conditions for its over 140,000 members, bargain for better salaries and benefits, and promote the development of education in Uganda.