By Nanteza Ruth Walusimbi
NATIONAL
The Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) National Chairperson, Zadock Tumuhimbise, has warned that the ongoing teachers’ strike will persist until the government responds positively, cautioning that industrial action will escalate if authorities remain unresponsive.
Speaking to East News while at White Horse Inn Hotel in Kabale Municipality, on Monday Morning, 15th September, 2025, Tumuhimbise said the strike is not only about teachers’ welfare but also about protecting the future of Uganda’s learners.
Tumuhimbise accused the government of repeatedly failing to honor promises on salary enhancements. He noted that despite multiple reminders to the President, First Lady, Minister of Education and Sports, Minister of Public Service, Minister of Finance, Parliament’s Committee on Education and Social Services, and the Head of Public Service, no action has been taken.
He urged the government to extend the 2022 salary enhancement scheme, which he said was applied selectively, leaving many teachers marginalized.
With schools reopening for the third term, considered a promotional term, Tumuhimbise warned that the strike would affect learners’ performance, particularly in arts subjects.
While some reports indicated a few teachers continued teaching despite the strike, Tumuhimbise explained that the situation varies.
He further emphasized that UNATU has disciplinary procedures for members who defy the strike, guided by professional standards and policies.
