Arts teachers in Lango threaten strike over salary disparities

26 May 2025, 7:30 pm

By Denis Okello/Oboke Michael

Arts teachers under the Uganda Professional Humanity Teachers Union (UPHTU), Lango branch, have threatened to lay down their tools in protest over poor remuneration.

The declaration was made during a union meeting held at Lira Town College.

During the meeting, the union spokesperson Deogratius Opio Oguti read out ten resolutions passed by the teachers, key among them being a strike to run from June 6, 2025.

Other resolutions included a call for solidarity among members, rejection of any bribes aimed at derailing the strike, and a collective push for better working conditions.

Teopista Akello, the acting president and vice president of the Uganda Professional Humanity Teachers Union, in Lango criticised the government for what she described as “empty promises” regarding salary increments for arts teachers.

She said the government had consistently favored science teachers while neglecting their counterparts in the humanities.

Akello urged all arts teachers to strictly adhere to the resolutions, emphasising unity in their pursuit of improved welfare and equity.

John Michael Elweu, the Uganda Professional Humanity Teachers Union coordinator for Lango, lamented that low pay has left many teachers unable to afford quality education for their own children or pursue further studies themselves.

Obel Aron Ronald, the Uganda Professional Humanity Teachers Union coordinator for Dokolo district, echoed calls for solidarity among arts teachers to demand salary increment from the government.

However, Robert Okori, the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) chairman for Lira branch, stated that UNATU does not support the ongoing strike and affirmed that all teachers under their union will continue with normal teaching activities.

Okori explained that UNATU recently presented their concerns to the Parliamentary Committee on Education, particularly regarding salary disparities between arts and science teachers.

According to him, Members of Parliament assured the union that salary increment for arts teachers would be considered in the next financial year.

He further noted that the government has committed to addressing their grievances, citing an agreement to raise the salary of the least-paid teacher to Shs1.3 million, although science teachers currently earn Shs4 million and above.

The discontent over salary disparity stems from the government’s decision during the 2022/23 financial year to enhance salaries for science teachers in government-aided schools by 300%, a move that left arts teachers deeply aggrieved.

The looming teachers’ strike comes as the second term officially opened today.