A group of Ugandan lawmakers is urging Parliament Speaker Anita Among to immediately recall the House to address the ongoing teachers' strike, which has severely disrupted the education sector.
The strike, led by the Uganda National Teachers' Union (Unatu), began after the government increased salaries for science teachers but excluded arts teachers.
The move has sparked nationwide unrest in schools, with many upcountry primary and secondary institutions effectively paralyzed.
Minister of Public Service Wilson Muruli Mukasa gave striking teachers a seven-day ultimatum to return to work or face dismissal.
Unatu General Secretary Filbert Baguma dismissed the threat, insisting teachers will only resume classes once their demands are met.
“It is now over 20 days since this strike commenced… We are getting stories that upcountry schools, especially primary schools—99 percent of them—are not teaching,” Baguma said.
Lawmakers condemned the government’s handling of the strike, describing the threats as coercion that undermines constitutional rights. They warned Minister Mukasa that his actions could trigger a censure motion against him.
“Dialogue, not intimidation, is the solution to the current impasse,” they emphasized.
Tingey County MP Twalla Fadir suggested adjusting a percentage of science teachers’ salaries to reduce disparities with arts teachers, highlighting the need for fair treatment across the profession.
The strike has left learners, particularly those preparing for national and transitional examinations, stranded.
Education officials and community leaders are warning of serious social consequences, especially for vulnerable children.
Pallisa District Probation Officer Suzan Apolot expressed concern that the prolonged absence of teachers could contribute to rising teenage pregnancies and child labor.
Teachers are demanding salary harmonization, citing discrimination in the government’s decision to raise science teachers’ pay while leaving arts teachers behind.
Despite similar qualifications and job descriptions, arts teachers earn significantly less.
Currently, an arts teacher with a degree qualification earns a gross monthly salary of Shs1,078,162, compared to Shs4 million for a science teacher.
As the strike enters its third week, lawmakers are calling for urgent intervention to prevent further disruption to Uganda’s education system and protect the welfare of learners nationwide.
