Uganda allocates Shs 568 billion for arts teachers' salary enhancement

The Ugandan government has announced a significant financial commitment to uplift the remuneration of arts teachers, marking a pivotal moment after years of advocacy and industrial action. A sum of Shs 568.65 billion has been designated in the new budget to enhance the salaries of primary school teachers and their counterparts in the arts disciplines within secondary and vocational education.

This financial package is a direct outcome of extensive negotiations between teacher unions and the government, which have spanned the last two years. The core demand from these educators has been the equalization of their pay with that of their science-subject counterparts, a disparity that has fueled considerable discontent.

The allocation forms a substantial part of the Shs 6.66 trillion budget set aside for the education and sports sector in the 2026/2027 financial year. Finance Minister Henry Musasizi highlighted that this increased investment is intended to foster better educational outcomes and support Uganda’s ambition of cultivating a skilled workforce.

While welcomed by many, some educators and advocacy groups argue that the increment, while a step forward, may not fully bridge the gap exacerbated by the rising cost of living. Concerns have also been raised about the timely disbursement of pledged funds for SACCOs supporting arts teachers.

The government has also reported progress in other educational initiatives, including expanding access to Universal Primary and Secondary Education, strengthening STEM and vocational training, and infrastructural development for the AFCON 2027 tournament. This decision represents a tangible response to President Museveni’s recent pledge to address the salary disparities faced by arts educators.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/govt-remembers-long-suffering-arts-teachers-5496958