Uganda Says No Money For Teacher Pay Rise

The Government of Uganda says it does not have funds available to pay for a salary increase demanded by teachers. They were previously promised a rise during the 2019/20 financial year.

In February the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (Unatu) issued government with a 90-day ultimatum to deliver. When the deadline expired on Monday of this week teachers began to strike. Unatu has around 100,000 members.

Speaking on the strike Unatu General Secretary Filbert Baguma stated, "We need to correct the impression that teachers continuously demand salary increment. It is just government which has been defaulting on its words. We have been considerate. We negotiated.” 

We agreed. We signed the agreement. Let government fulfil this agreement. They had a full year to plan. We gave them a notice three months ago,” he added. 

Baguma also pointed to the recent increase in allowances for MPs, who justified the rise on the basis of increased cost of living.

“Aren't they living in Uganda with other Ugandans? ...Do they have their special markets and shops? How come that if it is for other categories, it (salary increment) is realistic but when it comes to teachers, it becomes unrealistic?" he asked.