We’re Too Poor To Increase Salaries, Go Back To Classes Or Be Fired-Gov’t Warns Striking Teachers

By Frank Kamuntu

Public Service Minister Muruli Mukasa has informed Parliament that the government cannot meet the demands of striking teachers for salary increases due to severe budget constraints. Speaking before the Committee on Local Government on October 1, 2025, during discussions on The Human Resource Management Professionals Bill, 2025, Mukasa revealed that Uganda funds only 31% of its national budget domestically, with the remainder reliant on loans and grants from development partners.

“The teachers rejected our advice and continued the strike. We engaged the humanities and arts teachers’ unions, who agreed not to strike. Currently, we raise just 31% of our budget domestically. The rest comes from loans and partners, showing how vulnerable we are. We’ve agreed internally not to borrow for salaries; they must come from domestic revenue, capped at 35%,” Mukasa explained.

Mukasa emphasized the government’s financial constraints, noting, “If we’re raising only 31%, we cannot afford the demanded increases. I’m providing context to show we’re not acting arbitrarily or insensitively.”

The statement drew scrutiny from Catherine Ndamira, Kabale Woman MP, who questioned how the government plans to recruit 50,000 additional teachers, as recently announced by the President, if it cannot pay existing ones. “Private school children face no disruptions, while public school students suffer. The President promised 50,000 new teachers, yet you say there’s no money for current ones. Who’s confusing who?” Ndamira asked.

Mukasa clarified that the recruitment of 50,000 teachers is planned for the 2026/27 financial year, with provisions being made in the upcoming budget. He assured MPs that striking teachers would continue to receive their full salaries and face no layoffs. “It’s not our intention to disadvantage public school children. Teachers are being paid, even during the strike. The issue is the amount, but what we can afford is there,” he said.

The minister noted that while the government aims to increase teachers’ salaries by 25% next financial year, UNATU’s demand for a 300% hike is unfeasible. He highlighted that teachers have received multiple pay raises since 2019, unlike 66% of public servants who have had none since 2014. “Primary school teachers’ salaries rose from UGX200,000 to over UGX600,000 monthly. Science teachers now earn up to UGX4 million, and school administrators earn even more,” Mukasa said.

Responding to concerns raised by Pius Wakabi, Bugahya County MP, about the impact of the strike on students, Mukasa urged teachers to be patient, citing government efforts to support their welfare. These include UGX20 billion injected into the Teachers’ SACCO and UGX20 billion for UNATU’s SACCO, totaling UGX40 billion for the sector. Additionally, proposals to sponsor education for four children per teacher are under consideration.

Mukasa also announced plans to revive a policy providing government housing for teachers, doctors, and security forces, reversing earlier advice from development partners. “In the 1970s, teachers had government housing. We’re now reinstating this for key cadres to improve efficiency,” he said.

Isaac Modoi, Lutseshe County MP, raised concerns about salary disparities, particularly among arts teachers, suggesting harmonization to address unrest. Mukasa responded that the Ministry of Finance is reviewing the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax issue for arts teachers and exploring waivers. He added that the government is studying a proposal to sponsor education for up to four biological children of teachers, with the President expressing support.

Mukasa concluded by comparing public and private sector teachers, noting, “Private school teachers earn far less and work harder, yet public teachers claim mistreatment. We’re committed to addressing their concerns, but they must also consider the government’s constraints.”