Outline:
The Urgent Need for Government Action on Arts Teachers’ Salaries
The ongoing teachers’ strike in Uganda, led by arts educators under the Uganda National Teachers Union (Unatu), has brought to light a growing crisis within the country’s education system. This planned nationwide strike, set to begin on Monday, September 15, is a direct response to long-standing grievances, particularly the disparity in salary increases between arts and science teachers. The issue is not just about pay—it’s about fairness, equity, and the future of education in Uganda.
The strike comes at a critical time, during the Third Term, when students are preparing for exams and completing their curriculum. For parents, this timing is especially concerning, as many have had to make significant financial sacrifices to ensure their children can return to school. Some have even sold property to cover the costs of education. This situation highlights the broader challenges facing families and the urgent need for resolution.
Salary Disparities: A Deepening Divide
Arts teachers are demanding better salaries to close the gap with their science counterparts. According to recent data, an arts teacher with a degree earns a gross monthly salary of Shs1,078,162, taking home a net amount of Shs841,931. In contrast, a science teacher with the same qualification receives a gross pay of Shs4 million and takes home Shs2,858,000. Similarly, an arts teacher with a diploma earns Shs784,214 gross and Shs639,108 net, while a science teacher with a diploma gets Shs2.2 million gross and Shs1,616,000 net.
These figures reveal a stark imbalance that has been growing over the years. In the 2022/2023 financial year, only science teachers received salary increments, which sparked concerns among educators and analysts. Despite warnings from some legislators and experts about the potential for division within schools, the government proceeded with the plan, citing the need to strengthen STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.
The Government’s Perspective and the Counterargument
The government argued that increasing the salaries of science teachers was essential to attract qualified professionals, boost student enrollment in science subjects, and ultimately drive industrial growth, job creation, and higher tax revenues. However, critics argue that this approach overlooks the vital role of arts education in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness—skills that are equally important for national development and leadership.
While the government has promised a phased 25 percent salary increase for arts teachers starting in 2026/2027 and proposed tax reductions, these measures have not been enough to ease the current tension. The lack of immediate action has left arts teachers feeling ignored and frustrated, pushing them closer to taking further strikes.
A Call for Proactive Engagement
To prevent further disruptions to students’ education and the broader system, the government must act faster and engage more meaningfully with arts teachers. It’s not enough to ask for patience; there needs to be proactive dialogue and collaboration with all stakeholders. Emergency roundtable discussions involving teachers, unions, policymakers, and other relevant parties could help address concerns and find sustainable solutions.
Transparent and honest communication is key to restoring trust and preventing the cycle of strikes from continuing. By addressing the root causes of dissatisfaction, the government can mitigate the negative impact on students and ensure a more stable and equitable education environment.
Moving Forward
The situation calls for a balanced approach that recognizes the value of both arts and science education. While promoting STEM is important, it should not come at the expense of other disciplines that contribute significantly to a well-rounded education. The government must take swift and decisive action to resolve this issue before it leads to irreversible harm.
Ultimately, the goal should be to create a fair and inclusive education system where all teachers feel valued and supported. Only then can Uganda build a strong foundation for its future.