Kampala, Uganda – The Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) has announced that it will resume industrial action starting Monday, 15th September 2025, the official opening day for third term.
According to General Secretary, Filbert Baguma, the decision follows back-to-back meetings held by UNATU’s National Executive Council (NEC) on 10th September and Branch Chairpersons on 11th September.
The union says this action is in response to what it describes as the Government’s “continued silence” on the issue of salary enhancement for teachers who were excluded from the 2022/2023 financial year increments.
“This industrial action is not political. It is a lawful and peaceful demand for fairness,” said Baguma Filbert.
Unresolved Salary Disparities
According to UNATU, the teachers most affected are those in Primary and Post Primary schools and education institutions who did not benefit from the salary enhancements implemented in the 2022/2023 financial year. The union argues that while some teachers have received pay increases of up to 300%, a significant number have been left behind.
UNATU says it has made several attempts to engage government through official channels — including the Office of the President, the Office of the Head of Public Service, and relevant ministries — but no meaningful progress has been made. The union also petitioned the Equal Opportunities Commission but reports no feedback to date.
The union had previously suspended a similar strike in July 2022, on the understanding that the Government would address the salary disparities through negotiations. Over three years later, UNATU says, that promise remains unfulfilled.
“Teachers have waited patiently amidst many challenges. Government has not taken any step to resolve the matter. Under such circumstances, withdrawal of labour remains the only solution,” reads a statement issued by the union.
Action Details
All UNATU members in the affected categories have been directed not to report to work when the school term opens. The industrial action will continue indefinitely — until the Government takes “concrete and verifiable steps” to resolve the issue.
A Call for Unity
In a rallying message to its members, the union urged all affected teachers to remain home and let their silence speak louder than unheeded petitions.
“Three years of waiting. Three years of frustration. Three years of watching others move ahead while we are told to ‘wait,’” the message reads.
“If you are not happy with this unfairness, then let your action speak louder than words.” Baguma noted.
