Weswa Ronnie
MBALE CITY
After the meeting from State house-Nakasero, Arts teachers in the Elgon region have rejected government’s request to return to class without addressing the issue of equal pay.
In a review meeting held on Monday, 23rd June, 2025 at Rates Hotel in Amber Store, -Industrial Division, Mbale City, the teachers, represented by the Uganda Professional Humanities Teachers Union (UPHTU), resolved to stand firm on their demand for equal pay for arts teachers.
According to George Mooma, the Elgon region coordinator, the Ministry of Education and the First Lady, Janet Kataha Museveni, has advised teachers to give government time and return to class, citing the current focus on elections and limited funds. However, the teachers were unimpressed.
The State Minister for Higher Education, Dr. John Chrysestom Muyingo, had also attempted to persuade the teachers to return to class, arguing that government is a better employer compared to private schools. However, the teachers remained resolute.
In response, the arts teachers cited Article 40 of the Constitution, which guarantees equal pay for equal work. They emphasized that they will not return to class until their demands are met. The teachers also warned that if arts subjects are deemed useless, the government should consider scrapping them altogether.
The teachers’ resolve remains firm, and they are determined to continue their strike until their demands for equal pay are addressed.”
