The Minister of Public Service, Mululi Mukasa, has issued a 5-day ultimatum for all teachers to call off the strike and return to work, or risk being considered dismissed due to abscondment.
On 15th September 2025, teachers under the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) launched a nationwide industrial action, demanding an end to the pay disparity between science teachers and arts (humanities) teachers, which is putting the country’s education at risk.
However, addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Center in Kampala, the Minister of Public Service, Mululi Mukasa, has called on teachers to call off the strike or face the consequences of abscondment from work within five days, citing the bad timing in the education calendar that doesn’t warrant disruption.
According to the Minister, the government has promised to incrementally increase salaries for all public servants in a phased manner and has been fulfilling this promise.
Currently, the public service has 368,291 personnel. Since the 2018/2019 financial year, 125,276 public officers have benefited from a UgX 2.5 trillion salary enhancement commitment. The President has consistently reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving a 25% increment for teachers, which is part of the approved 77% long-term target enhancement endorsed by the Ministry of Finance. So, I don’t know why they are not patient,” Mukasa said.
He added: ‘The budget process for 2026/2027 has just commenced, involving the budget conference, budget negotiations, and countrywide stakeholder consultations on budget priorities. The Ministry has already submitted the enhancement requirement for all teachers who are below the 25% threshold,'” Mukasa noted.
He further called on teachers to call off the industrial action, warning that failure to comply would be considered abandonment of duty and resignation.
Mukasa also urged chief administrative officers, town clerks, district/city education officers to monitor compliance and track attendance to ensure appropriate action is taken.
Mukasa also urged chief administrative officers, town clerks, district/city education officers to monitor compliance and track attendance to ensure appropriate action is taken.” Mukasa stated.
The strike has caused disruptions in schools across Uganda, with many teachers staying away from work. According to reports, over 10,000 humanities teachers have joined the strike, citing discrimination and unfair treatment.⁴
UNATU General Secretary Filbert Baguma emphasized that the strike will continue until the government takes concrete steps to address the salary disparities. The union has urged the government to engage in dialogue and provide a clear commitment to resolving the issue.
Recently, after being nominated, President Yoweri Museveni reiterated that there will be no salary enhancement for teachers, intensifying the standoff between the union and the government.