Kampala, Uganda: Tensions between the Ugandan government and the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) have deepened after teachers vowed to continue their nationwide strike, rejecting the seven-day ultimatum issued by Minister of Public Service Hon. Wilson Muruli Mukasa to return to work or risk being declared Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL).
The industrial action, now entering its fourth week, has seen teachers across the country maintain solidarity in their demand for fair and equitable salary enhancements.
A pivotal meeting held in Kampala on Friday, attended by all UNATU branch chairpersons, resulted in a firm resolution to “reignite the fire” and intensify the strike until government meets their demands.
UNATU National Chairperson, Mr Tumuhimbise Zadock said the union remains resolute, dismissing the Minister’s warning as a violation of labour rights.
“This meeting is not a routine gathering; we are here to reignite the fire and strategize on how to strengthen our cause,” Tumusiime declared, emphasizing that no directive, no matter how forceful, can silence the teachers’ collective voice.
The government has insisted that it remains committed to phased salary increments for public officers, citing a cumulative UgX 2.5 trillion allocated since the 2018/2019 financial year to improve pay for critical sectors. Minister Muruli Mukasa described the ongoing strike as “uncalled for”, saying discussions on salary adjustments were ongoing.
However, UNATU’s leadership maintains that the government has consistently failed to honour previous agreements, including the 2018 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The union’s General Secretary, Baguma Filbert Bates, said the directive to end the strike contravenes Uganda’s labour laws and undermines social dialogue principles.
The impasse has been compounded by directives from several Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) across districts ordering teachers back to class in line with the Minister’s ultimatum. Despite the pressure, UNATU’s national leadership says teachers should “hold their ground” until tangible commitments are made.
As of July 2024, only 125,276 public officers had benefited from previous salary enhancements, leaving the majority of teachers below the approved 25% long-term pay threshold. Government recently promised a 25% salary increment in the upcoming fiscal year, but the union dismissed it as insufficient given current economic realities.
With both sides entrenched, the industrial action continues to paralyse learning across the country, raising growing concern among parents and education stakeholders. “Because we are, the Nation is,” Tumusiime told the delegates, a rallying call that echoed across the teachers’ fraternity.
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