STELLA T
Teachers of humanities subjects in Rukungiri District have entered the second week of an industrial action protesting salary disparities between arts and science educators.
Under their umbrella body, the Uganda Professional Humanities Teachers Union (UPHTU), the teachers are demanding equal pay for equal qualifications, citing discriminatory treatment in salary structures. The protest, which started on June 6, 2025, continues to gain momentum as teachers hold meetings to strategize and voice their concerns.
During a union meeting held at Riverside Hotel in Southern Division, Rukungiri Municipality, UPHTU Rukungiri District chairperson Fred Turamyomwe criticized the government for prioritizing science teachers financially. He said both arts and science teachers attend the same institutions and pay equal tuition fees, and therefore deserve equal treatment.
Union leaders, including Assistant Chairperson Elias Kiiza and Treasurer Boonabana Angella, expressed concern over the demoralizing effect the salary disparity is having on arts teachers. They pointed out that this inequality is affecting not only teachers’ morale but also how they are perceived by students and colleagues in schools.
Other teachers echoed similar sentiments, warning that continued neglect could disorganize the education sector. They argued that equitable salaries would foster unity, professionalism, and improve academic performance.
The union is calling on the government to revise the 2025/2026 national budget to include a salary adjustment for humanities teachers. They warned that failure to act may result in prolonged disruption of the school calendar.
