UNATU Suspends Teachers’ Strike After Talks with Parliament

Kampala: The Uganda National Teachers’ Union  (UNATU)  has suspended its industrial action after reaching a temporary understanding with Parliament over salary disparities.

The union has given legislators two weeks to address long-standing pay gaps between science and arts teachers.

The strike, which began last month, followed government’s decision to increase salaries for science teachers while leaving out their colleagues in the arts a move UNATU described as discriminatory and divisive.

After weeks of negotiations, including a meeting with the Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among, Parliament directed the Education and Public Service Committees to investigate the issue and report back within two weeks.

During a press conference at UNATU headquarters in Kampala on October 16, General Secretary Filbert Baguma announced the suspension of the strike and urged teachers to return to work as discussions continue.

The event was attended by workers’ Members of Parliament Charles Bakabulindi, Agnes Kunihira, and Arinaitwe Rwakajara who applauded teachers for embracing dialogue and urged government to act swiftly to avoid further disruptions in the education sector.

UNATU emphasized that the strike has only been suspended, not ended, and warned that industrial action could resume if no progress is made within the agreed timeframe.