KAMPALA, UGANDA — A joint parliamentary meeting convened to address the contentious salary disparity between arts and science teachers stalled Tuesday after the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education and Sports failed to appear.
The no-show prompted renewed frustration from the Uganda National Teachers’ Union, or UNATU, which warned it may resume industrial action if the deadlock continues.
Speaker of Parliament Anitah Among had directed the committees on Education, Public Service, and Local Government to meet jointly following a petition from UNATU demanding the harmonization of salaries.
Appearing before the lawmakers, State Minister of Public Service Grace Mary Mugasa acknowledged that discussions on arts teachers’ pay were ongoing. She appealed to teachers to remain in the classroom, assuring the committee that the government would resolve the concern during the 2026-27 financial year.
However, UNATU General Secretary Filbert Baguma expressed deep skepticism. He told the committee that prior meetings with the government had not yielded tangible results and issued a clear warning.
“If the two weeks’ elapse without anything, the teachers may resume industrial action,” Baguma said.
Teddy Nabirye, a teacher at Kololo High School, added that the discrimination faced by arts teachers is severe, noting that the low salaries prevent them from meeting basic daily needs.
The chairpersons of the involved committees agreed to reschedule the crucial meeting for Thursday, insisting that the ministries of Finance and Education and Sports must be present to move the discussion forward.
