The Uganda Professional Humanities Teachers Union (UPHTU) has publicly distanced itself from the ongoing nationwide strike by arts teachers, clarifying that its members will not be participating in the industrial action.
In a formal notice issued on Monday, UPHTU General Secretary Francis Mutesasira advised members to remain at their duty stations and refrain from joining the sit-down strike being championed by the Uganda National Teachers' Union (UNATU) over salary disparities.
“UPHTU finds it necessary to guide members on the proposed industrial action being organized by UNATU and to state clearly that UPHTU is not part of this action and strongly advises its members not to participate,” Mutesasira stated.
The union emphasized that the government has already made a formal commitment to enhance salaries for humanities teachers under a phased salary review, set to begin in the 2026/2027 financial year.
According to Mutesasira, constructive dialogue with the government is ongoing, and UPHTU leadership recently held a consultative meeting with the Parliamentary Committee on Education on September 10th and 11th, 2025, during which the government reaffirmed its pledge.
“Constructive engagements and consultative meetings are currently ongoing between the leadership of UPHTU and the government of Uganda. In our recent appearance before the Parliamentary Commission of Education, government reaffirmed its commitment to furthering its mandate to enhance salaries of humanities teachers,” he noted.
While other teachers under different associations downed tools at the start of the new school term to protest wage inequalities, UPHTU maintained that it stands for dialogue, negotiation, and long-term sustainable solutions.
“We urge all our members to remain calm, united and committed to their professional duties while UPHTU leadership continues to follow up and safeguard our collective interests. Let us not allow our struggles and achievements to be diverted or misinterpreted,” Mutesasira concluded.
The statement comes amid growing tensions within the education sector, as pressure mounts on the government to address long-standing concerns over salary disparities between science and arts teachers.