By Frank Kamuntu
The Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) has raised concerns over the growing salary disparities between science and arts teachers, warning of a looming crisis in the education sector.
Speaking before Parliament’s Education Committee on February 5, 2025, UNATU General Secretary Filbert Baguma criticized the government’s decision to significantly increase salaries for science teachers while leaving arts teachers behind. He warned that the widening gap is breeding dissatisfaction, low morale, and division within schools.
Baguma argued that science teachers should not be considered superior simply because they teach scientific subjects. He emphasized that all teachers, regardless of specialization, play an essential role in shaping students’ futures, and the government’s policy of prioritizing science teachers is unfair and discriminatory. He noted that science teachers are not scientists but convey pre-existing knowledge, just like their counterparts in the arts and humanities.
The salary gap has had far-reaching consequences, including tensions among teachers and an erosion of teamwork in schools. Some institutions have reported that science and arts teachers now operate in separate staff rooms, further deepening divisions. Additionally, with science teachers now earning significantly more than their supervisors—including head teachers, education officers, and district officials—administrative challenges have intensified.
Beyond internal conflicts, the disparities have also negatively influenced students’ perceptions of their teachers. Reports indicate that some students have begun looking down on arts teachers, calling them “comedians,” “entertainers,” and “singers.” This mindset could further undermine the value of humanities education, limiting students’ appreciation for diverse fields of study.
Financially, the increasing salary burden is straining the education sector. Some local governments have been unable to accommodate the new wage bill, leading to budget deficits. In several districts, schools have resorted to using Parents Teachers Association (PTA) funds to pay arts teachers, a practice that has fueled resentment among staff. UNATU has warned that without a clear and fair salary structure, the problem will only escalate.
Several Members of Parliament have echoed UNATU’s concerns, urging the government to address the disparities. James Kubeketerya, Chairperson of the Education Committee, pointed out that while science teachers have historically received slightly higher salaries, the current gap is extreme and unjustifiable. Other legislators have labeled the policy discriminatory, warning that it is causing division in public service and must be reconsidered.
With another salary adjustment expected in July 2024, UNATU is calling on the government to adopt a balanced and inclusive salary structure that recognizes the contributions of all teachers. The union insists that the education sector thrives on unity and collaboration, and failing to address these disparities could lead to a mass exodus of arts teachers, declining education quality, and worsening inequality in schools.
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