Uganda National Teachers’ Union Petitions Speaker Anita Among Over Salary Discrepancies
Summary:
- Speaker Among assured union leaders that she would forward the petition to the relevant parliamentary committees for immediate consideration
Kampala, Uganda – On Wednesday, the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) presented a formal petition to Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, highlighting grievances over ongoing salary discrepancies within the public education sector. The petition, which also addressed other pressing concerns related to teachers’ welfare, comes amid rising frustrations over the unequal treatment of Art Teachers compared to Science Teachers .
During the meeting, Speaker Among assured union leaders that she would forward the petition to the relevant parliamentary committees for immediate consideration. She further emphasized that salary increments for teachers will be prioritized in the next national budget.
“I understand the concerns of our teachers and their vital role in shaping Uganda’s future. I will ensure that these issues are addressed, and salary adjustments are factored into the upcoming budget,” Among stated, signaling her commitment to resolving the longstanding issue.
The Speaker also called on the union to suspend the ongoing strike, which has affected schools across the country, noting that President Yoweri Museveni is already aware of the situation and is committed to addressing the matter. “The government is not ignoring the issue, and we are working on a solution. I urge you to call off the strike so that we can engage in constructive dialogue,” Among urged the union leaders.
However, despite the Speaker’s assurances, UNATU General Secretary Philbert Baguma expressed skepticism about the government’s response. Baguma warned that while the government’s silence may suggest calm, the long-term consequences of neglecting the teachers’ demands would soon be felt across the country.
“We are not seeing any real action yet, and the government’s quietness on this matter is alarming. If the issues are not addressed urgently, we will feel the repercussions in the near future,” Baguma cautioned.
The ongoing strike has put a spotlight on the significant wage gap between Art teachers and their science counterparts, as well as the broader challenges within Uganda’s education sector. Teachers have been demanding not only better salaries but also improved working conditions and resources to enhance the quality of education in schools.
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