Striking Teachers Given 2 Days to Return to Work or Face Dismissal

Government through the Ministry of Public Service has given striking teachers up to June 24, 2022 to resume work or face dismissal.

Last week, Uganda National Teacher’s Union (UNATU) through its Secretary General, Filbert Baguma, announced a sit-down strike for all arts teachers starting June 15 over a proposed ‘segregative’ salary enhancement in favor of science teachers in government schools.

The teachers leadership also met President Museveni and officials from the Education and Public Service ministry.

A June 21 letter signed by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Public Service, Catherine Bitarakwate, to UNATU informs all government-employed teachers to resume duty at their respective workstations by June 24 without fail.

She noted that any government-employed teacher who does not comply to this call will be regarded as having abandoned duty and resigned from the Public Service in accordance with Section A-n (17) of the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders, 2021.

Bitarakwate further stated that the teachers who are not willing to work under the prevailing terms and conditions are free to withdraw their labour as provided for under Section A-n (11) of the Public Service Standing Orders.

The PS also advised teachers who feel aggrieved by the directive to seek legal redress.

“Those who do not agree to any of the above are advised to seek legal redress in Courts of law. Government has not issued any directive for closure of any school and therefore, any contrary instructions to learners are regarded as illegal. All schools are expected to proceed with the Ministry of Education and Sports school calendar for the 2nd Term 2022,” she said.

“By copy of this letter, the Chief Administrative Officers and Town Clerks are called upon to take stock of the teachers present and submit absent teachers by the 30th June 2022 for eventual removal from the payroll.”

She reiterated government’s “commitment” towards salary enhancement for all Public Officers, arguing that the current enhancement for the science teachers was informed by the available resources, the number of teachers involved and the impact that can be made by the scientists to the development of the country. Below is the Full letter.