Kasese Arts Teachers Vow to Continue Strike Over Salary Disparities

Secondary school Arts teachers in Kasese District have vowed to continue their industrial action until the government addresses their demands for salary enhancement. The strike, which began on June 6, was organized by the Uganda Humanities Teachers Union (UPHTU) in protest against what teachers describe as a discriminatory salary structure that favors science teachers.

The ongoing strike has disrupted learning in government secondary schools, 23 Primary Teachers’ Colleges, five National Teachers’ Colleges, and Uganda Colleges of Commerce, leaving thousands of learners stranded. While addressing a press conference at Trip Plus Guest House in Kiburara, Kisinga Sub-county, Joel Nyanabo, the Rwenzori Regional Coordinator for UPHTU, asserted that Arts teachers will not bow to pressure or intimidation. 

“As employees, we have a constitutional right to advocate for fair pay. We are not demanding privilege, but equality,” Nyanabo said. He added that their agitation was rooted not only in the salary increment awarded to science teachers in recent years, but also in the 2018 Central Bargaining Agreement, which called for equal treatment of all teachers. 

Johnson Muhindo, the UPHTU Coordinator for Kasese District, expressed disappointment that the recently read national budget made no mention of salary enhancement for Arts teachers. “We expected our issues to be addressed, but the silence of the Finance Minister has only deepened our frustrations,” Muhindo told reporters. He urged all Arts teachers in the district to remain firm and united, emphasizing that the strike is protected by law and is their legitimate tool for advocacy.

Teopista Akello, the UPHTU National Chairperson, reiterated the union’s position, stating that Arts teachers across the country would not return to classrooms until their concerns are addressed. “We are not returning to work until government fulfills its obligations,” she said.