Teachers under the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (Unatu) in Ibanda District have declared that they will not report for the third term of the 2025 academic year, joining their colleagues across the country in an indefinite industrial strike.
The development follows Friday’s announcement by Unatu General Secretary, Filbert Baguma, who declared a nationwide strike after the government failed to include teachers’ salary enhancement in the 2026/2027 budget framework presented to Parliament on Thursday.
The Unatu Chairperson for Ibanda, Feleciano Twinomugisha, described the decision as “painful but necessary” after the government neglected their long-standing demands.
“It is very disappointing that in the budget cycle presented on Thursday, we were not catered for in the 2026/2027 financial year. Our proposed salary increment was not given priority,” Twinomugisha told the Nile Post on Friday.
He added that he has already communicated to teachers in Ibanda District through various social media platforms, instructing them not to report to school until the government responds to their demands.
“I have also officially informed key stakeholders, including the District Police Commander, the Resident District Commissioner, the Chief Administrative Officer, and the District Education Officer about our planned strike,” he noted.
Schools across the country are scheduled to reopen for the third term on Monday, September 15, 2025, but the strike now casts uncertainty on the resumption of learning.
This is not the first time teachers have laid down their tools. In June 2025, arts teachers staged a nationwide strike that prompted government intervention.
During those talks, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, assured teachers that the government would consider their salary adjustments in the 2026/2027 budget.
However, with the latest budget framework presentation excluding their pay rise, teachers say government has failed to honor its commitment.