Teachers to down tools ahead of new term

MUHAMAD MATOVU

Teachers under their umbrella Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) have declared a strike a head of the beginning of the second school term which starts on 27th May 2019.

Speaking to the media in a joint press briefing at Ntinda , Gilbert Baguma the general secretary of UNATU  said there have been ongoing negotiations between teachers and the government over salary enhancement since last year but they have not been successful.

"That means, as we prepare for second term, teachers will not go to school. We are going ago head to do a mobilisation for this strike to take place," Baguma said.

Baguma noted that teachers will not give up on their demands unless governments fulfils their pledges.

The union leaders noted that government should have communicated to the workers other than keeping quiet.

“When we demand what we agreed on and is not fulfilled...I think the pledge goes back to them”

He stated that a notice of 90 days was given and a letter was written to government which unfortunately did not reply.

“Teachers are the most patriotic people because they endure poor working conditions with poor salaries,”Baguma stated.

Other workers' unions have also threatened to lay down tools if government fails to increase their salaries next financial year.

Usher Wilson the chairperson National Organisation of Trade Union called upon all workers across the country to be on alert for a strike come 31st of this month

"If government pass a budget and no salary enhancement has been structured for all the workers in the country, then industrial action will proceed ,“Usher Wilson Owere stated.