Gov’t deems teachers’ strike illegal, urges immediate return to work

KAMPALA, October 2, 2025 – The Government of Uganda has labelled the ongoing industrial action by some teachers and the planned strike by local government workers as illegal, urging all public officers involved to resume duties within a week or risk being considered as having resigned.

In a statement issued today in Kampala by the Minister of Public Service, Wilson Muruli Mukasa, the government reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of public officers through a phased salary enhancement plan. The Minister criticised the strikes as “uncalled for” and warned that the required legal procedures for industrial action had not been followed.

“The commencement of industrial action by some teachers on 15th September 2025, and the planned strike by Local Government Workers from 1st October 2025, is premature and jeopardises the cordial relationship government has enjoyed with labour unions,” said Mukasa.

According to the Ministry, the government has invested Shs 2.5 trillion in salary enhancements since the 2018/2019 financial year, with a phased approach prioritising sectors linked to industrialisation, health, infrastructure, innovation, economic recovery, and security, all of which include teachers.

Current status of salary enhancement

As of July 2024, 125,276 public officers had benefited from salary enhancements since the 2017/2018 financial year. However, approximately 66 percent of public officers have not received any adjustments since 2014/2015. Those who have benefited, excluding the Uganda People’s Defence Forces [UPDF], are now earning up to 77 percent of the approved long-term pay targets.

Planned enhancements in FY 2026/2027

The Minister revealed that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who has reiterated his commitment to raising public servants’ salaries. The government has pledged to enhance the pay of Humanity subject teachers by 25 percent of the long-term pay target in the 2026/2027 financial year.

Enhancement requirements for various categories, including primary teachers, public university staff, and others earning below 25 percent of the approved target, have already been submitted to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development for consideration in the upcoming budget.

“Consultations and negotiations on salary enhancement are ongoing, and dispute resolution mechanisms have not been exhausted. No union has obtained the required Certificate from the Public Service Negotiating and Consultative Council,” the Minister stated.

As a result, the 90-day strike notices issued by the unions were declared invalid under current public service laws.

Call to return to duty

The minister made a strong appeal to union leaders and public officers to call off the strike and resume duty without delay.

“All public officers involved are expected to return to work immediately and not later than one week from now. Failure to do so will be considered abandonment of duty, and resignation,” the statement read.

District and city leaders, including Chief Administrative Officers, Education Officers, and Resident District/City Commissioners, have been directed to monitor compliance and maintain attendance records for any necessary disciplinary action.

The Minister concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to enhancing public sector wages in a phased, lawful, and consultative manner.

“We appeal to all public servants to continue serving the country with the same zeal and commitment they have always demonstrated,” he said.

https://thecooperator.news/teachers-strike-sparks-ple-concerns-in-mbarara-city/

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