BE PATRIOTIC & GO BACK TO CLASS: Janet Museveni Tells Striking Teachers

Janet Kataaha Museveni, Uganda’s first lady and minister of education and sports, has sent a message to science teachers regarding salary increment. 

At the beginning of second term, science teachers went on strike demanding that each graduate be paid Shs4m per month and a diploma holder Shs3m monthly.

After refusing to return to class for 10 days, science teachers later agreed to suspend their strike until mid-June 2022. The leaders (National Executive Committee) of their umbrella body, Uganda Professional Science Teachers’ Union (UPSTU), which was negotiating with government only got a commitment letter from the Ministry of Public Service. They are not sure of how much will be added to their current salaries starting July 2022.

But even as they await government’s final announcement, it seems some teachers have refused to return to classrooms. And Ms Museveni has called on them to be patriotic as government looks for a solution for their demands.

“Science teachers across the country, I call upon you all to be patriotic and return to work as the government finds solutions to address your demands. The government is not against paying you well. You should be patient as money is sourced to fulfill the promise,” pleaded Ms Museveni.

Minutes later, UPSTU claimed that 99 per cent of their members had agreed to return to class, and reminded them of a decision taken on May 19 to suspend the Industrial Action (IA).

“UPSTU NEC suspended the IA until the 13th June 2022. This time was given to allow government to harmonize salaries of science teachers with that of other scientists other than medical in the budget FY2022/2023,” the union said.

“Majority science teachers (99%) across the country have since settled in at their work stations following the suspension of IA on 19th May 2022 by UPSTU NEC. NEC will continue to follow up the issues with gov’t till 13th June 2022.”

MORE ON SCIENCE TEACHERS STRIKE

GOOD NEWS: Museveni Cabinet Approves Shs4m Monthly Salary for Each Science Teacher Starting July 2022

IT’S OUR TIME TO EAT; YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN: Science Teachers Tell Their Arts Colleagues to Fight for Themselves as Government Promises Shs4m Monthly Salary Starting July 2022

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SALARY INCREMENT CIRCUS: Science Teachers End Strike With NO DEAL But a Letter & Promises

MORE ON SALARY INCREMENT CIRCUS

In order to improve service delivery and end the challenge of strikes over low pay, President Museveni’s government has proposed huge salary increments for teachers, doctors and other employees starting July 2022. (Read Story Here)

The proposed increments have left many people wondering if government will really fulfill this pledge and increase salaries by very high amounts.

For example, opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye has argued that the promise of salary increment is just ‘another lie.’ (Read Story Here).

Finance Minister Matia Kasaija recently said the money for increasing teachers’, doctors’ and other civil servants’ salaries was available. (Read Story Here).

In August 2021, cabinet approved salary increment for teachers, doctors and other health workers. (Read Story Here).

See the salary structure that had been proposed for the current financial year here.

UPDATED LIST: See Salary Structure for All Government Workers

Meanwhile, an NRM MP has angered teachers after telling them they are too poor to go on strike. (Read Story Here).

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SALARY INCREMENT CIRCUS: Museveni Cabinet Yet to Allow Public Service to Release New Salary Structure

WHERE DID THE MONEY GO? Shs110 Billion Initially Set Aside to Increase Science Teachers’ Salaries but Money Reportedly ‘Disappeared’