education 12 March 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Arts Teachers Threaten Strike Over Unfulfilled Salary Promises
Uganda's Arts and Humanities teachers are warning of renewed industrial action if the government does not honor presidential directives on salary harmonization and welfare improvements in the 2026/2027–2030/2031 budget. The UPHTU has expressed frustration over the Ministry of Finance's repeated failure to allocate funds for these commitments. Source: https://observer.ug/news/arts-teachers-warn-of-strike-over-another-stalled-pay-rise
Arts and Humanities teachers in Uganda are on the brink of resuming strikes due to the government’s delay in implementing key salary and welfare promises.
In a letter dated March 11, 2026, to the Minister of Public Service, the Uganda Professional Humanities Teachers’ Union (UPHTU) highlighted concerns about the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development excluding funds for Arts teachers in the current budget cycle.
UPHTU President Teopista Akello referenced a recent inter-ministerial meeting on March 10 at the Ministry of Public Service, where the issue was raised.
The union reminded authorities of President Yoweri Museveni’s directives from a June 30, 2025, meeting at State House, Entebbe. These included harmonizing Arts teachers’ salaries with science teachers in four phases, starting with a 25% increase in 2026/2027.
Additional pledges covered reducing Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes immediately, a Shs 20 billion grant to the UPHTU Sacco, scholarships for teachers’ four biological children, and staff house construction from 2026/2027.
Akello stressed that any failure to comply would force the union to lift the suspension of industrial action paused on June 30, 2025. The letter was copied to top officials including the Speaker of Parliament, Prime Minister, and Minister of Education.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)