03/October/2025
by Y.emma#lcctv reporter
Kampala, Uganda – The nationwide teachers’ strike in Uganda has escalated into a high-stakes standoff, entering a new and critical phase this week. The government has shifted from negotiations to issuing a direct ultimatum, while teachers’ unions remain defiant, vowing not to return to classrooms until their demands are met.
On October 3, 2025, the Ugandan Ministry of Public Service issued a directive, with a 7-day ultimatum to striking Arts teachers, to return to class or face disciplinary action, including dismissal, for failing to comply with the government’s call for teachers to resume duties immediately. The government, through Public Service Minister Muruli Mukasa, has instructed District Education Officers and other officials to monitor schools and report non-compliant teachers.
A circular sent to all school headteachers and district officials stated that the government has “demonstrated commitment to addressing your issues” and that the continued strike is “illegal and unacceptable.” The order demands that all teachers return to their posts immediately.
Teachers who fail to resume duty will have their salaries suspended with immediate effect.The government has authorized the recruitment of temporary teachers to replace those on strike, a move unions have called a “declaration of war.”
The strike, which began at the start of the third school term, centers on two long-standing grievances: In the last financial year, the government approved a salary increase for scientists, primary teachers, and secondary science teachers. However, arts teachers, who form a large part of the workforce, were excluded. The unions demand a harmonized and fair pay raise for all teachers.
In response to the government’s ultimatum, leaders of the Uganda National Teacher’s Union { UNATU} and other professional associations have not budged. Even for the categories that received a raise, many teachers have not been paid the accumulated arrears. Unions claim the government has failed to honor its own commitment.
Mr. Filbert Baguma, the General Secretary of UNATU, stated in a press conference, “You cannot threaten a hungry man. Our members are suffering. We will not be intimidated by threats of salary stoppages. If the government has money to recruit new teachers, then it has money to pay the teachers who have been serving loyally for years. Unions are mobilizing their members to remain united and are seeking legal advice on challenging the government’s “return-to-work” order in court, arguing it violates their right to collectively bargain.
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