Kampala | 8th October 2025 — In a significant development in the ongoing industrial action by teachers, the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) has formally petitioned Parliament, demanding urgent redress on the long-standing issue of salary disparities between arts and science teachers.
The petition was presented by UNATU General Secretary Baguma Filbert Bates, accompanied by the National Chairperson Tumuhimbise Zadock and the union’s Legal Officer, at a meeting with Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among.
In her response, the Speaker acknowledged the gravity of the matter and assured the union that Parliament is committed to resolving the salary harmonization impasse.
“I am aware that there has been an outstanding matter of the perceived preferential treatment of some teaching cadres over others,” Among said, noting that the continued strike is a threat to the education sector and the country’s broader Human Capital Development goals.
The Speaker responds to UNATU Petition
The Speaker praised UNATU’s leadership for choosing the path of constructive engagement over confrontation, and emphasized Parliament’s role as a people-centered institution. She committed to invoking Rule 31 of the Rules of Procedure to fast-track the consideration of the petition by relevant government bodies.
“I thank you for opting for constructive engagement over antagonism,” she told the union delegation. “We will work hand-in-hand with the Executive to address the budget-related matters in your petition.”
Among noted that the issue comes at a critical moment, with Parliament still within the budget formulation cycle, providing a window to explore possible adjustments to the teachers’ remuneration.
She further committed to writing to the Minister of Public Service and the Parliamentary Committee on Education to ensure the matter receives the attention it deserves.
UNATU: Leading With Purpose
The petition to Parliament marks a pivotal moment in UNATU’s ongoing efforts to demand equity, fairness, and dignity for all teachers. The union has consistently called on government to fulfill its commitments under the 2018 Collective Bargaining Agreement, which was selectively implemented in the FY2022/23 to the benefit of only science teachers.
By opting for dialogue, documentation, and institutional engagement, UNATU has demonstrated leadership rooted in responsibility and strategic action. The union has maintained that the strike is not about rebellion, but about securing equal treatment for all teachers regardless of subject or level.
As the strike continues, UNATU’s petition to Parliament represents not only a formal escalation but a reminder that teachers deserve to be heard, respected, and treated fairly.
Read the full petition here