By BM
The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) has delivered a sharp rebuke to Arts teachers who have been on strike since September 15, 2025, throwing its full support behind the government’s ultimatum for teachers to return to classrooms immediately.
The ongoing strike, led by educators in History, Geography, Literature, and Religious Education, is rooted in demands for salary parity with their Science colleagues, who reportedly earn up to three times more.
The protracted industrial action has plunged Uganda’s education system into crisis, disrupting learning for thousands of students in government-aided secondary schools across the country.
In letter dated October 3rd, 2025, the Secretary General for IRCU, Joshua Kitakule has expressed profound concern about the widening impact of the strike, warning that the future of the nation’s youth is being jeopardized as schools remain closed and learning stalls.
Strike Originates Over Salary Disparities
At the heart of the strike is a stark pay gap between Science and Arts teachers.
While Science educators receive starting salaries of around UGX 4 million, their Arts counterparts earn significantly less, between UGX 1.2 million and UGX 1.4 million.
The Arts teachers say this discrepancy is unfair and undermines the value of humanities subjects in shaping critical thinking and well-rounded citizens.
The Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU), representing the striking teachers, argues that the salary differences amount to discrimination and have pushed Arts teachers to take industrial action.
They insist that a promised 25% pay rise for Arts teachers, slated for the 2026/27 budget, must be fast-tracked.
Additional proposals, such as a UGX 40 billion fund for teacher SACCOs and possible PAYE tax waivers, are also on the table but remain unresolved.
Despite ongoing talks between teacher representatives and government officials, the stalemate persists, prompting the IRCU and government to intervene.
IRCU Takes a Tough Stand
The IRCU, a respected body representing Uganda’s major faith groups, has not minced words in condemning the strike’s impact.
In a strongly worded statement, the Council urged Arts teachers to reconsider their position and return to classrooms immediately, emphasizing the harm the prolonged strike inflicts on students.
“The education and well-being of Uganda’s children cannot be held hostage to salary disputes,” said an IRCU Secretary General.
The Council highlighted that many learners come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and depend on schools not only for education but for structure, nutrition, and protection from harmful environments.
Kitakule further warned that prolonged school closures risk replicating the devastating social consequences experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.
During that period, many children dropped out of school, some became vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, and there was a spike in teenage pregnancies all outcomes the Council says Uganda cannot afford to revisit.
Reaffirming its call, the IRCU appealed to all parties to act with compassion and reason.
The Council urged the government to address teachers’ grievances meaningfully without threats of replacing striking teachers, saying such measures may escalate tensions rather than resolutions and urged striking teachers to put the interests of their students first.
Government Issues Ultimatum
On Thursday this week, the government intensified pressure on the striking teachers by issuing a one-week ultimatum for them to return to duty or face dismissal.
Hon. Muruli Mukasa, the Minister for Public Service, declared the strike illegal and damaging, especially as national end-of-year examinations approach.
“Teachers who fail to resume duty within a week will be deemed to have abandoned their posts,” Mukasa warned during a press briefing at Uganda Media Centre.
He instructed Chief Administrative Officers and District Education Officers to enforce attendance strictly and ensure compliance.
Mukasa defended the government’s efforts, citing a phased salary enhancement program that has injected UGX 2.5 trillion into teacher salaries since 2018/19.
He said this demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving conditions for educators.
However, the minister also made clear that government resources are limited, and any further salary adjustments must be balanced against national economic realities.
UNATU Pushes Back
UNATU Secretary General Filbert Baguma responded swiftly to the government’s hardline stance.
He condemned the ultimatum as heavy-handed and warned that dismissing teachers en masse would exacerbate an already fragile education system.
“Threatening teachers with dismissal will not solve the problem,” Baguma said. “We need genuine engagement and binding commitments to address the glaring pay disparities.”
Baguma further cautioned that continued neglect of Arts teachers risks pushing more educators out of the profession, which would worsen pupil-to-teacher ratios and lower the quality of education in public schools.
A Nation’s Future Hanging in the Balance
With the government’s deadline fast approaching and no clear resolution in sight, the strike has pushed Uganda’s education sector to a critical juncture.
Thousands of students remain out of school, their academic progress stalled and future prospects uncertain.
Education stakeholders are deeply concerned that if the stalemate continues, Uganda may face long-term consequences similar to those witnessed during the COVID-19 lockdown.
The risk of increased dropouts, teen pregnancies, and exploitation looms large.
END
The IRCU’s firm stance signals a growing impatience with the strike and the urgent need to restore learning. Its call for teachers to return to classrooms while continuing constructive dialogue underscores the delicate balance between advocating for fair pay and safeguarding children’s right to education.
Meanwhile, the government’s ultimatum signals it is prepared to take drastic steps to end the disruption, even as it maintains a willingness to negotiate within fiscal limits.
**The Path Forward**
As the week unfolds, all eyes remain on the negotiations between the government and Arts teachers. The challenge lies in crafting a solution that addresses salary grievances without sacrificing the education of thousands of young Ugandans.
The IRCU’s message is clear: Uganda’s children cannot afford to wait any longer. A resolution that prioritizes education, justice, and compassion is urgently needed to protect the nation’s future. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
