More than 10,000 humanities teachers across Uganda have started a strike. They are protesting what they call unequal salary treatment compared to science teachers. This action, led by the Uganda Professional Humanities Teachers Union (UPHTU), affects government secondary schools, 23 Primary Teachers’ Colleges, five National Teachers’ Colleges, and Uganda Colleges of Commerce.
The strike began on Tuesday, following the Eid al-Adha and Heroes Day holidays. Teopista Akello, the UPHTU National Chairperson, stated that teachers will not return to class until the government addresses their concerns. She emphasized that they demand equal salary scales for teachers with similar qualifications, regardless of subject area.
Key Issues Behind the Strike and Teachers’ Demands
The primary issue for humanities teachers is the significant salary gap between them and science teachers. Akello explained, “Teachers with the same qualifications work in the same staffroom but receive different salaries.” She expressed frustration that while the government raised the pay of science teachers, humanities teachers were left behind.
“The government promised to fix this issue years ago, but no changes have been made,” Akello said. The union remains open to dialogue but insists that they will not return to work until the pay hike demands are met.
Despite the government’s resistance, teachers argue that Uganda’s growing economy now allows for salary adjustments. Mr. Godfrey Osenda, the National Chairman of Uganda Professional Humanities Sacco, shared that over 10,000 out of the 17,000 government-employed arts teachers have joined the strike. “The 90-day deadline we gave the government to address our salary issues expired last Friday,” Osenda stated.
Osenda also challenged the government’s claim that salary increases depend on economic growth. “The economy has grown to Shs226 trillion annually, providing the government enough resources to address these disparities,” he explained.
Teachers like Mr. Patrick Ochodomuge and Mr. Mande Yowa expressed their frustration. Ochodomuge pointed out that despite promises made since 2022, no raise has been delivered. Yowa added, “We shop at the same markets as science teachers, yet we wonder if the government values us equally.”
Government’s Economic Position and Teacher Expectations
The government has maintained that salary increases depend on the economy’s performance. However, teachers argue that the country’s economy, valued at Shs226 trillion annually, provides sufficient fiscal room to resolve the issue.
Osenda challenged the government’s stance, noting that the economy’s growth should make it feasible for salary increases for humanities teachers. While the government has yet to respond effectively, teachers continue to call for fair pay across all subject areas.
The ongoing humanities teachers’ strike in Uganda has caused significant disruption to the education sector. With over 10,000 teachers participating in the strike, the government faces increasing pressure to resolve the salary disparities. Until the issue is addressed, students across the country will face disruptions in their education. Meanwhile, teachers are standing firm in their demands for fair pay and equal treatment.
The failure of the government to fulfill its promises has led to growing unrest. Humanities teachers have made it clear that they will not back down until they see a fair and equal pay system for all educators in Uganda.
For further updates on similar economic and political issues, you can explore the article on AFDB Presidential Candidates 2025.
