The Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) has suspended its industrial action following a temporary understanding reached with Parliament over salary disparities in the education sector.
The strike, which began last month, was prompted by widespread frustration among arts and humanities teachers after the government implemented a salary increase exclusively for science educators. UNATU argued that the decision created inequality within the teaching profession and undermined unity among educators.
Over the past four weeks, union leaders have engaged in high-level negotiations with government officials, including a recent meeting with Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among. As a result, Parliament instructed the Education and Public Service Committees to investigate the matter and report back within two weeks.
During a press conference held Thursday afternoon at UNATU headquarters in Kampala, General Secretary Filbert Baguma announced the suspension of the strike and urged teachers to return to their duty stations while Parliament reviews the issue.
“Teachers are patriotic citizens who have always chosen dialogue over confrontation,” said Baguma.
“We are calling upon all teachers to resume work as we await the outcome of Parliament’s deliberations. However, we shall not hesitate to take further action if no tangible progress is made.”
The announcement drew mixed reactions from teachers, with some expressing doubt over whether Parliament and the government would follow through.
“We’ve heard promises before that never materialized,” said one teacher.
“This time, we want to see action, not just words.”
Several Members of Parliament representing workers including Charles Bakabulindi, Agnes Kunihira, and Arinaitwe Rwakajara, attended the press briefing.
They commended the union for pursuing dialogue and urged the government to resolve the matter swiftly to avoid further disruption in the education sector.
UNATU clarified that the industrial action was not fully terminated, but only paused, as a sign of good faith.
“Suspension of the industrial action does not mean surrender,” Baguma stressed.
“We are simply giving the authorities time to act in good faith.”
The union confirmed it will continue to monitor developments closely and reconvene if Parliament and the government fail to take meaningful steps within the agreed timeframe.
