KAMPALA: The industrial action by the arts teachers in primary and secondary schools over discriminatory salary increment is set to continue despite the leaders of the teachers holding a meeting with President Museveni at the weekend.
On Saturday, June 18, 2022, the National Executive Council of Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) met with the President in the presence of select cabinet ministers and senior government officials to discuss the issue of the teachers’ salary enhancement in FY 2022/23.
According to Filbert Baguma, UNATU chairperson, they presented to the President the position of the teachers who are currently on industrial action over discriminatory salary enhancements, which breach the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement that was signed with Government in 2018.
According to Baguma, the meeting noted that Government was not fully aware of the consequences of increasing salaries for one category of teachers to a tune of over 300% against nothing for all other categories of teachers.
“The matter has therefore been handed to the Ministry of Public Service and Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to review the proposed pay plan and ensure that the disharmony is rectified. This means that discussions and negotiations are still on-going,” he said.
“This therefore serves to inform the members of Uganda National Teachers’ Union and the general Public that the industrial action continues as we await the outcome of the review process. Our resumption of duty is dependent on; i. How fast the Ministries of Public Service and Finance conclude the review process ii. Whether the outcome of the said review process is satisfactory and addresses the issue of FAIR salary enhancement for all teachers across the board. Therefore, the industrial action continues and all teachers should stay at HOME,” he added.
However, a State House statement quoted President Museveni as asking the teachers in the country to call off their industrial action as the government is committed to giving civil servants good remuneration.
“In principle, we shall pay everybody well but as of now, let us concentrate on one aspect. Don’t tell me about this industrial action. Go and work. Our aim is to pay civil servants well,” he said.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of Public Service, Muruli Mukasa, the Minister of State for Primary Education, Joyce Moriku Kaducu, UNATU chairperson Zadock Tumuhimbise and Catherine Bitarakwate the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service.
Museveni told UNATU members that the government is committed to raising the pay of all civil servants but priority should go to science teachers as they are very critical in the development and transformation of Uganda’s economy.