Humanities teachers in the Sebei sub-region have announced their willingness to join a national strike tomorrow Tuesday 10th 2025 which declared by their leaders on Thursday 5th, 2025
Over 10,000 arts and humanities teachers across Uganda have initiated a nationwide strike, protesting significant salary disparities compared to their science counterparts.
The industrial action, led by the Uganda Professional Humanities Teachers Union (UPHTU), commenced on June 10, 2025, following the Eid al-Adha and Heroes Day holidays. Affected institutions include government secondary schools, 23 Primary Teachers’ Colleges, five National Teachers’ Colleges, and all Uganda Colleges of Commerce.
The strike was prompted by the government’s decision to substantially increase salaries for science teachers while leaving arts teachers’ compensation unchanged.
Teopista Akello, UPHTU National Chairperson, expressed that teachers with similar qualifications should receive equal pay, regardless of subject area. She criticized the existing disparities, noting that teachers in the same staffroom with identical qualifications are earning different salaries.
The government has acknowledged the concerns raised by teachers and has agreed to enhance the salaries of science teachers to address the disparities. However, the Uganda Professional Science Teachers’ Union has expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the government’s actions have been insufficient and that further negotiations are necessary.
The union has indicated that they are considering further industrial action if their demands are not met . These developments highlight the ongoing challenges within Uganda’s education sector, where issues of pay equity and timely compensation continue to affect teachers’ morale and the overall quality of education.
