The Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) has issued a stern warning to the government and parents not to intimidate teachers as they strike for better pay and improved welfare. The planned strike will kick off on Monday September 15, 2025 when schools are scheduled to reopen for third term.
Filbert Baguma, UNATU’s general secretary, made these remarks during an interview with Bbeg Media at the UNATU offices on Bombo Road, Kampala.
Baguma stressed that the union has repeatedly engaged the government to no avail.
“We have written to the government multiple times, met with the parliamentary committee on social services under which education falls, and even held discussions with the President. However, all our efforts have been in vain, forcing us to take action again,” he said.
He highlighted that this is not the first time UNATU has raised concerns about teachers’ salaries. In 2022, the union met with President Museveni, who promised action, leading to a temporary suspension of industrial action.
However, Baguma noted that the government’s response has been frustratingly slow. He pointed out the rising cost of living, which has placed significant financial strain on teachers. Additionally, he criticised the government’s decision to prioritise salary increases for science teachers, offering them a 300% pay rise, while neglecting arts teachers.
“This symbolises discrimination among public servants who work in the same environment and hold similar qualifications,” Baguma argued. [WATCH VIDEO]
Baguma refuted allegations that some UNATU members had been compromised by government promises of lucrative positions. He clarified that union leadership does not prevent members from pursuing other opportunities.
“Being in UNATU leadership does not block anyone from seeking opportunities elsewhere,” Baguma said.
Speaking calmly, Baguma emphasised that teachers are ready to resume work at the start of the third term for both primary and secondary schools if the government addresses their grievances promptly. This, he said, would prevent further delays in completing the students’ syllabus.
UNATU has accused the government of discriminatory practices by increasing salaries solely for science teachers, despite both science and arts teachers working under similar conditions. The union has urged the government to undertake reforms and plan effectively to address this issue, warning that mishandling the matter could lead to an oversupply of one category of teachers while the education system requires both to tackle societal challenges effectively.
However, some members of the 180,000-strong professional teachers’ association, particularly from Kamuli, have opposed the strike. They argue that this is the third time students will be affected, potentially leading to poor academic performance, and have vowed to return to classrooms on Monday to continue teaching.
