The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, has warned teachers against missing classes as schools resume operations next week, on February 5.
The call comes in response to rumours of a planned strike that made rounds on social media yesterday. The Uganda National Teachers’ Union, UNATU, has since dismissed the rumours as unfounded.
While acknowledging the little pay faced by arts teachers, Baryomunsi clarifying that the government has decided to implement salary enhancements in a phased manner, starting with science teachers and health workers.
“The government is dedicated to improving the salaries of arts teachers, but we must take a phased approach to ensure sustainability,” Baryomunsi stated.
He emphasized that the sequencing was not a neglect of arts teachers but rather a strategic decision to effectively manage the limited resources.
He added that part of reasons for sequencing salary enhancements was to underscore government’s commitment to prioritising Sciences.
UNATU has been advocating for salary increases for teachers for several years, and in 2011, the government committed to implement a three-phase salary rise over three fiscal years.
The proposed increments were 15 percent, 20 percent, and 15 percent, respectively. UNATU specifically pushed for a payment of Shs 4.8m for graduate science teachers and Shs 4.5m for those teaching arts and humanities.
