By George Bukenya
Despite Government effort to encourage Humanities teacher to end a one month long sit down strike seeking fair treatment on wage motivational increase just like their Science counterparts, the state house engagement may not yield positive results for now.
There’s still skepticism as to whether this time round government will fulfill its pledges in the financial 2026/2027. The teachers whom this reporter talked to after the Monday high level meeting in state house where unmoved by government pledges saying that for the last two fiscal periods the state have been promising such.
The minister of public service Mululi Mukasa while address journalist in a press conference said that following the meeting of all relevant stake holders, which resolved to enhance salaries of Humanities teacher and tutors in a phased manner, he expected them to end the strike immediately.
According to Mululi, the meeting involved President Museveni, all Education line ministers, Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development, Public Service and Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development Ministers respectively.
“ We resolved to increase Humanities Teachers’ salaries in a phased manner and government will start with a 25% increment in the fiscal year running 2026/2927. Having agreed on this with the trade union leaders and teachers representatives, we expect them to go back to work.’’ Mululi asserted.
He further said that all teachers will also be given other fringe benefits like housing facilities, free education for their children at post-secondary education in addition to reduced Pay As You Earn which is for all public servants.
Mululi also said even the non-teaching staffs working in educational institution will also benefit in the salary phase enhancement which is planned to take place in the next four consecutive financial years.
The Secretary General for Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) Filbert Baguma when reached via mobile phone denied attending the meeting and declined to comment on what transpired in such state house meeting.
The minister of state for finance Amos Lugoloobi who also attended the press briefing said that the phased manner plan was reached upon due to the inadequacy of the lamp sum finance envelope.
“ To enhance the humanities teachers and higher education tutors’ salaries, government requires a total of over UGX 500 billion for the start and which is not available given financial contraints.’’ Lugoloobi explained.
He further stated if it was one off then government would look for it and do it once but this is continuous there it needs proper planning.