The government has issued a stern warning to teachers on strike, urging them to return to classrooms immediately or face dismissal. The directive comes amid ongoing disagreements over salary increases.
Minister of Public Service, Muruli Mukasa, announced on Thursday that continued absence from duty would be treated as self-dismissal. He called on teachers to resume work without delay.
“If you don’t return to class, it means you are no longer interested in the job, and you will have dismissed yourself. Action will be taken to fill your gap. I am appealing to you—go back to work immediately,” Mukasa said.
The strike has disrupted teaching in primary and post-primary schools, as well as other educational institutions. It follows demands from the Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) for improved salaries. The union formally notified the Ministry of Public Service of the industrial action on August 25, 2025, sending a reminder on September 10.
Several government ministries—including Public Service, Education and Sports, and Gender, Labour and Social Development—met with UNATU leaders on September 16, but the talks failed to reach an agreement.
This is not the first salary dispute this year. On June 29, 2025, President Yoweri Museveni met with the Uganda Professional Humanities Teachers Union (UPHTU) at State House, Entebbe. He pledged phased salary increments and promised to increase humanities teachers’ pay by 25% of the 77% approved long-term pay targets in the 2026/2027 financial year.
The Ministry of Public Service says that implementing pay enhancements for humanities teachers, public university staff, primary school teachers, and other public officers earning below 25% of the 77% targets would require UGX 1.4 trillion. This request has been submitted to the Ministry of Finance for budget consideration.
Despite ongoing discussions, Minister Mukasa emphasized that teachers must return to duty immediately. He warned that those who fail to report would be considered AWOL—absent without official leave.
“If you are upcountry, make sure you report to your station by Monday. If you don’t appear, you will be considered AWOL. Nature abhors a vacuum, and steps will be taken to fill any gaps,” Mukasa said.
The standoff now depends on whether teachers heed the government’s warning or continue the strike as pay demands grow louder. The coming days will be critical in determining how the industrial action is resolved and its impact on Uganda’s education system.
