The Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) has declared that its members will not return to class when schools reopen for third term on September 15, 2025, citing government’s failure to address salary disparities.
The decision follows resolutions passed by UNATU’s National Executive Council on September 10 and a subsequent meeting of branch chairpersons on September 11.
UNATU accuses government of sidelining teachers in both primary and post-primary schools during the 2022/2023 salary enhancements, leaving thousands behind while a section of their colleagues received up to 300% pay rises.
General Secretary Filbert Baguma said teachers have run out of patience. “For three years, while some of our colleagues have enjoyed a 300% salary increment, the rest of us have been left with nothing but empty promises. Three years of waiting, three years of frustration, three years of watching others move ahead while we are told to ‘wait.’ The answer is clear—if we are not happy with this unfairness, our action will speak louder than words,” he said.
He added: “On 15th September, let every affected teacher, in every corner of Uganda, remain at home. Our absence will send a clear and unmistakable message to government that teachers cannot and will not continue to be ignored.”
UNATU emphasized that the strike is lawful, peaceful, and non-political, insisting it is solely about fairness and equity in the teaching profession.
The union recalled that its 2022 strike was suspended to give room for talks, yet three years later government has remained silent. Despite engaging the Office of the President, the Head of Public Service, the Ministry of Public Service, and the Ministry of Education and Sports, as well as petitioning the Equal Opportunities Commission, no solution has been reached.
Baguma warned this strike will continue until real progress is made. “We have tried to speak up through letters and other formal requests for audience but government has not listened. This time round, let the empty classrooms speak for us. Let our absence from the school compounds be louder than the excuses from government. Remember this: ‘Three years, no justice – our silence ends now!’”
The looming industrial action threatens to paralyze the third term calendar nationwide, just weeks before national exams for candidates in primary and secondary schools.
