STELLA T
Humanities teachers in Rukungiri District, under their umbrella body, the Uganda Professional Humanities Teachers Union (UPHTU), have rejected the government’s appeal to call off their industrial action over what they call unequal and unfair salary treatment compared to their science counterparts.
The teachers, speaking during a union consultation meeting held at Palm Royal Hotel, Southern Division, Rukungiri Municipality, expressed frustration over the continued disparity in pay despite undergoing similar training and paying the same tuition fees as their science counterparts.
They expressed this following a meeting held by the government, through the Ministry of Education, with the National Executive Committee last week on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at State House, Nakasero. The meeting brought together key government officials and leaders from the Uganda Professional Humanities Teachers’ Union (UPHTU) and the Association of Secondary School Head Teachers of Uganda (ASHU), where they discussed a phased increment plan for arts and humanities teachers, with top educators poised to earn up to Shs 6.5 million per month in the financial year 2025/2026.
Turamyomwe Fred, UPHTU Chairperson and Coordinator for Rukungiri District, expressed frustration at how low wages have affected the personal lives of many arts teachers, noting that the government’s promises of paying teachers in a phased manner continue to frustrate teachers who also have responsibilities as parents.
He lamented that a fair salary structure would lead to a more balanced and effective education system across the country. Failure to do so will result in a disorganized education sector. “They can’t talk about quality education without fairness in compensation. Headteachers receiving 6.5 million, deputies 4.5 million, and other teachers receiving salaries ranging from 2.2 million to 4.5 million shillings—no classes.”
Tumuhaise Aurelia, a teacher at St. Gerald’s SS Nyakibale, echoed the call for continued action so that the government understands the rights of humanities teachers. She noted that “enough is enough”—the current pay structure is unjust and unfair, yet their science counterparts are earning more, despite having equal qualifications. “Therefore, no money increment, no class.”
According to Sigoma Esau, a teacher at Immaculate Heart Girls SS Nyakibale, the government has ignored them despite their repeated grievances. He said that while science teachers recently received a salary increase, arts teachers were left behind. Humanities teachers can no longer sustain themselves under the current economic conditions due to low pay.
He stressed that they have vowed not to return to class until their demands are met, rejecting the idea of being promised in a phased manner, as they also do not teach students in phased lessons. “Humanities teachers matter—no money, no class. As arts teachers, we matter. We are the ones who teach even the compulsory subjects.”
