By Sylvia
As schools opened for the third term, the Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) Fort Portal chapter has urged parents to stand in solidarity with teachers in their ongoing strike, demanding long-overdue salary increments from the government. The industrial action, which began today, has left classrooms empty as teachers push for equitable pay and better working conditions.
Speaking during an interview, UNATU Fort Portal representative Ruhweza Joseph passionately appealed to parents to rally behind them, emphasizing that the strike is not intended to harm learners but to secure a better future for both teachers and students.
Unfair Treatment
Ruhweza highlighted the union’s grievances, pointing out that while teachers received a salary increment from UGX 200,000 to UGX 400,000 in 2002, the current economic realities make this amount unsustainable. “How can we survive on a salary that barely covers basic needs, let alone provide quality education?” he asked. The disparity in pay between different categories of teachers has also been a contentious issue. Recent figures reveal that while science teachers received a 300% increment, most arts teachers and primary school educators were left out of the 2022 salary enhancements, earning as little as UGX 400,000 after taxes.
Although the strike coincides with the critical third term, which includes national exams for some students, Ruhweza assured parents that learners will not fall behind if the government acts swiftly.
UNATU has called on parents to reject the narrative that the strike is disruptive, instead urging them to pressure the government to honor its promises.
As the strike gains momentum, Ruhweza and his colleagues remain hopeful that solidarity from parents and the broader community will push the government to address their demands.
The strike comes amid growing frustration among teachers nationwide, with many accusing the government of making empty promises and failing to address salary disparities despite years of dialogue.
Until their demands are met, UNATU members in Fort Portal and beyond remain steadfast in their resolve, urging all stakeholders to join their cause for a better education system